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1 Timothy 4

World English Bible

WEB

1But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron, 3forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 5For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. 6If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. 8For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come. 9This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. 10For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11Command and teach these things. 12Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 13Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. 16Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Timothy Chapter 4 addresses the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of false teachings that can arise within the church. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy that in the latter times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. This serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and discerning, holding fast to the truth of the #Gospel. Paul emphasizes that these false teachings may come from hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, leading them to promote practices contrary to God’s commands, such as forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-5).

The chapter also encourages Timothy to be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of faith and sound teaching. Paul instructs him to train himself to be godly, highlighting that physical training has some value, but godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul urges Timothy to set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, and to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching. This chapter concludes with a call to persevere in these practices, as doing so will not only save himself but also those who hear him (1 Timothy 4:12-16).

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Referenced by

  1. Genesis 1:31v4Genesis 1:31 declares God's creation as very good, which is affirmed in 1 Timothy 4:4, stating that everything created by God is good and should be received with thanksgiving.
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:3v12 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a falling away before the day of the Lord, which is echoed in 1 Timothy 4:1 where Paul speaks of some departing from the faith in later times.

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