1 Timothy 4:7-16

7But you must refuse to listen to false stories. Stories like that are not from God and only silly people believe them. Instead, learn to live well in a way that makes God happy.

8People say this: ‘If a person works to make his body strong and healthy, that will help him a little. But if a person works to live in a way that makes God happy, that will help him much more. It will help that person in his life now on earth. It will also help him in his future life with God in heaven.’

9We know that those words are true. Everyone should agree with them.

10So that is why we work to serve God well. We continue to work, even when we have trouble. We do this because we believe that God will help us. He is the one who lives for ever and who saves all people. Certainly, he saves those who are believers.

11Teach people to do these things.

12You are still a young man, but everyone should respect you as the leader in the church. Show the believers how they should live. Be a good example to them in these ways: what you say, what you do, how you love people, how you trust God, and how you do only what is right.

13Until I come, be careful to read the Bible aloud to people. Teach them to understand and to obey the message about Christ.

14Remember the gift that God's Holy Spirit has given to you. You received that gift when the group of church leaders put their hands on you. They spoke messages from God about how you would serve him. So do not stop using that gift from God.

15Be careful to do all these things well. Then everyone will see that you are serving God better and better.

16Think carefully about how you live, and about the message that you teach. Continue to teach God's true message. Then God will save not only you, but also those people who listen to you.