1 Timothy 4 Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church, some people will fall away from the faith i.e., the true teaching of Christianity. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits i.e., lying people and the teaching of evil spirits.

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits. ² [Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt]. ³ They forbid people to get married and require them to avoid [eating] certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and [fully] know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is permitted [to be eaten] and nothing should be refused, if it is received with gratitude, ⁵ for it is consecrated [i.e., made acceptable] by the word of God and prayer. ⁶ If you point out these things to the brothers you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, and will be nurtured by the message of the faith and of the good teaching which you have been following. ⁷ But you should have nothing to do with those worldly myths [See 1:4] and superstitious tales [often] told by old women. Instead, train yourself for living a godly life. ⁸ For physical training is useful to some extent [or, “for a short time”], but living godly is useful in every way, for it promises benefits [not only] for the present life, but [also] for the life to come. ⁹ This [foregoing] saying is trustworthy and deserves to be fully accepted. ¹⁰ For that reason we work hard and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, [and] especially of those who believe [in Christ]. ¹¹ Command and teach these things [i.e., the foregoing teaching. See verse 6-7]. ¹² Do not allow anyone to look down on you because you are [so] young, but you should be an example to those who believe [in Christ] in your speech, in your conduct, in your love, in your faith [and] in your purity. ¹³ Until I come [to you], pay attention to the [public] reading [of Scripture], to exhorting people and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders’ hands [i.e., signifying your appointment]. ¹⁵ Be attentive to these things [i.e., all of the foregoing]; be involved in [practicing] them, so that your progress [in the ministry] will be evident to everyone. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to what you teach [people]. Continue doing these things, for in doing them you will both save yourself and those who listen to you.