| 4:1 | The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. |
| 4:2 | These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth. |
| 4:3 | They will tell you not to get married. They'll tell you not to eat this or that food--perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by Christians! |
| 4:4 | Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. |
| 4:5 | God's Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy. |
| 4:6 | You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the Christians there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. |
| 4:7 | Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God--no spiritual flabbiness, please! |
| 4:8 | Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. |
| 4:9 | You can count on this. Take it to heart. |
| 4:10 | This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. |
| 4:11 | Get the word out. Teach all these things. |
| 4:12 | And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. |
| 4:13 | Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. |
| 4:14 | And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed--keep that dusted off and in use. |
| 4:15 | Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! |
| 4:16 | Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation. |
1 Timothy 4 - The Message Bible
