1 Timothy
Summary
Paul warns Timothy of a future departure from the faith, where some will give heed to "deceiving spirits" and "doctrines of demons," including the prohibition of marriage and certain foods. He reminds Timothy that every creature of God is good and should be received with thanksgiving. Paul encourages Timothy to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith, and to exercise himself toward godliness. He charges Timothy to be an example to the believers and to be diligent in his reading, exhortation, and teaching, ensuring that his progress is evident to all.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
If you put the brothers in remembrance of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine which you have followed.
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather toward godliness.
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.
These things command and teach.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may appear to all.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.