Train Yourself in Godliness
Paul warns of teachers who forbid marriage and certain foods, when everything our Father made is good and received with thanks. Timothy is to train himself for godliness, let no one dismiss his youth, read Scripture publicly, and watch his life and teaching closely.
4 1The Holy Spirit clearly says: in later times some will abandon the faith, giving attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of liars whose own consciences have been seared as with a branding iron. 3They forbid marriage and demand abstaining from foods our Father made to be received with thanks by believers who know the truth. 4For everything our Father made is good; nothing is to be rejected when received with thanks, 5for it is made holy by the word of our Father and by prayer.
6Point these things out to the brothers and sisters, and you'll be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and the good teaching you've followed. 7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8Physical training helps a little, but devotion to God helps in every way—promising life now and the life to come. 9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10For this we labor and strive, because we have hoped in the living Father, Savior of all people, especially believers. 11Command and teach these things.
12Let no one despise you for your youth, but be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching. 14Don't neglect the gift in you, given through prophecy, with the elders' hands laid on you. 15Practice these things and give yourself fully to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch yourself and your teaching closely. Continue in this, for doing so will save both you and your hearers.
