1 Timothy 4

1But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

1The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days, some people will turn away from the true faith. They will follow spirits that deceive them and listen to teachings that come from demons.

2through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

2These teachings come through people who act like hypocrites and tell lies. Their own consciences have been deadened as if they were burned with a hot iron.

3forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.

3They teach that it is wrong to get married and that people must not eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by people who believe and know the truth.

4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:

4Everything God created is good. Nothing should be pushed away if it is received with a thankful heart.

5for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

5This is because it is made holy by the word of God and by prayer.

6If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:

6If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will show that you have been fed by the message of faith and the true teaching you have followed.

7but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:

7Stay away from godless myths and silly stories. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

8for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.

8Physical exercise is good for the body, but training in godliness is good for everything. It holds a promise for both this life and the life to come.

9Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.

9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves to be fully accepted.

10For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.

10This is why we work hard and struggle, because we have put our hope in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11These things command and teach.

11Command and teach these things.

12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.

12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers in the way you speak, the way you live, your love, your faith, and your purity.

13Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

13Until I arrive, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the people, and teaching them.

14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

14Do not ignore the spiritual gift you have. It was given to you through a prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you.

15Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.

15Practice these things and give them your full attention, so that everyone can see the progress you are making.

16Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

16Watch your own life and your teaching closely. Keep doing these things, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.