1Ti 4 | HCSB | STEP | Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith , paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons ,

1 Timothy 4

Demonic Influence

1 Now the Spirit ^a explicitly says that in later times ^b some will depart from the faith, ^c paying attention to deceitful spirits ^d and the teachings of demons, ^e 2 through the hypocrisy ^f of liars whose consciences ^g are seared. 3 They forbid marriage ^h and demand abstinence ⁱ from foods that God created ^j to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, ^k and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ^l 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God ^m and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6 If you point these things out to the ^{▼▼brother(s): The Greek word adelphoi can be used as a reference to males only or to groups that include males and females. It is the context of each usage that determines the proper meaning.}brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith ^o and the good teaching that you have followed. ^p 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. ^q Rather, train yourself in godliness, ^r 8 for

the training of the body has a limited benefit, ^s
but godliness is beneficial in every way,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come. ^t

9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. ^u 10 In fact, we labor and strive ^{▼▼Other mss read and suffer reproach} for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, ^w who is the Savior ^x of everyone, ^y especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, ^z in conduct, ^aa in love, ^{▼▼Other mss add in spirit
,} ^ac in faith, in purity. ^ad 13 Until I come, ^ae give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, ^af with the laying on of hands ^ag by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save ^ah both yourself and your hearers. ^ai