1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so
that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is
great:
He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit, seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the
faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot
iron. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God
created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the
truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be
rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified
by God's word and by prayer.
If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be
a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of
the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with
profane myths and old wives' tales. Train yourself in godliness, for,
while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every
way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The
saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and
struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the
Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise
your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in
love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public
reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift
that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on
of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote
yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention
to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing
this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
