20 Oct. You are not unimportant because you're young
"Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demons."
"Such teachings come from the false words of liars whose understanding is destroyed as if by a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and tell them not to eat certain foods which God created to be eaten with thanks by people who believe and know the truth."
"Everything God made is good, and nothing should be refused if it is accepted with thanks, because it is made holy by what God has said and by prayer."
"By telling these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will be made strong by the words of the faith and the good teaching which you have been following..."
"Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life too..."
"Command and teach these things. Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life."
Until I come [to Ephesus], continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them. Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophesy when the group of elders laid their hands on you. Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone."
"Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you."
(1 Timothy 4:1-16)
Paul has said he hopes to visit Timothy in Ephesus soon (see 1 Timothy 3:14). In the meantime, Paul warns Timothy about those who spread false doctrines – those who say it's wrong to marry or to eat certain foods. Paul says all foods may be eaten – after a prayer of thanks to God.
He urges Timothy to be a good servant of Christ Jesus and to keep away from foolish beliefs that are worthless. Paul says physical exercise is good, but keeping spiritually fit is even better because it prepares you both for the present and for the future life (1 Timothy 4:8)
Paul adds, “Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Before he visits Ephesus again, Paul asks Timothy to spend the time reading the scriptures in public, preaching and teaching. He asks him not to neglect the spiritual gift “which was given to you through prophesy when the group of elders laid their hands on you” (1 Timothy 4:14).
Paul urges a cautious approach to life: "Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." (1 Timothy 4:16)
The photo shows Hadrian's Temple in Ephesus, where Timothy had been left by Paul to oversee the young church there.
You can read more from Paul's First Letter to Timothy @ https://www.thebiblejourney.org/…/1…/holding-onto-the-truth/