Bible Gateway passage: 1 Timothy 4 - New International Version (2024)

4The Spirit^(A) clearly says that in later times^(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(C) and things taught by demons. ²Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^{(D) 3}They forbid people to marry^(E) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(F) which God created^(G) to be received with thanksgiving^(H) by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴For everything God created is good,^(I) and nothing is to be rejected^(J) if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵because it is consecrated by the word of God^(K) and prayer.

⁶If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,^[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith^(L) and of the good teaching that you have followed.^{(M) 7}Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;^(N) rather, train yourself to be godly.^{(O) 8}For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,^(P) holding promise for both the present life^(Q) and the life to come.^{(R) 9}This is a trustworthy saying^(S) that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^(T) who is the Savior of all people,^(U) and especially of those who believe.

¹¹Command and teach these things.^{(V) 12}Don’t let anyone look down on you^(W) because you are young, but set an example^(X) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(Y) and in purity. ¹³Until I come,^(Z) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(AA) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(AB) when the body of elders^(AC) laid their hands on you.^(AD)

¹⁵Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(AE) both yourself and your hearers.

Footnotes

1. 1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.

Cross references

1. 1 Timothy 4:1 : Jn 16:13; S Ac 8:29; 1Co 2:10
2. 1 Timothy 4:1 : 2Ti 3:1; 2Pe 3:3
3. 1 Timothy 4:1 : S Mk 13:5
4. 1 Timothy 4:2 : Eph 4:19
5. 1 Timothy 4:3 : Heb 13:4
6. 1 Timothy 4:3 : Col 2:16
7. 1 Timothy 4:3 : Ge 1:29; 9:3
8. 1 Timothy 4:3 : ver 4; Ro 14:6; 1Co 10:30
9. 1 Timothy 4:4 : Ge 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Mk 7:18, 19; Ro 14:14-18
10. 1 Timothy 4:4 : S Ac 10:15
11. 1 Timothy 4:5 : S Heb 4:12
12. 1 Timothy 4:6 : 1Ti 1:10
13. 1 Timothy 4:6 : 2Ti 3:15
14. 1 Timothy 4:7 : 1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16
15. 1 Timothy 4:7 : S 1Ti 2:2
16. 1 Timothy 4:8 : 1Ti 6:6
17. 1 Timothy 4:8 : Ps 37:9, 11; Pr 22:4; Mt 6:33; Mk 10:29, 30
18. 1 Timothy 4:8 : Mk 10:29, 30
19. 1 Timothy 4:9 : S 1Ti 1:15
20. 1 Timothy 4:10 : S Mt 16:16
21. 1 Timothy 4:10 : S Lk 1:47; S 2:11
22. 1 Timothy 4:11 : 1Ti 5:7; 6:2
23. 1 Timothy 4:12 : S 2Ti 1:7; Tit 2:15
24. 1 Timothy 4:12 : Php 3:17; 1Th 1:7; 2Th 3:9; Tit 2:7; 1Pe 5:3
25. 1 Timothy 4:12 : 1Ti 1:14
26. 1 Timothy 4:13 : 1Ti 3:14
27. 1 Timothy 4:13 : Lk 4:16; Ac 13:14-16; Col 4:16; 1Th 5:27
28. 1 Timothy 4:14 : 1Ti 1:18
29. 1 Timothy 4:14 : S Ac 11:30
30. 1 Timothy 4:14 : S Ac 6:6; 2Ti 1:6
31. 1 Timothy 4:16 : S Ro 11:14