4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
4:2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
4:3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
4:5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
4:6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,* you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. / *The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
4:7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
4:9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
4:10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
4:11 Command and teach these things.
4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.