1 Timothy 4

The Spirit warns that “in later times some will depart from the faith,” following deceitful teaching that forbids marriage and certain foods — things God created to be received with thanksgiving. Timothy is to be “a good servant of Christ Jesus,” nourished on the faith and rejecting “irreverent, silly myths,” and to “train yourself for godliness,” which holds promise for this life and the next. Paul urges him to let no one despise his youth, but to set the believers an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” to devote himself to Scripture, teaching, and his gift, and to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching,” for by doing so he will save both himself and his hearers.