4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will ①fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
▷ ①I.e., apostatize
4:2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,
4:3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.
4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;
4:5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
4:6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following.
4:7 But ①stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, ②discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
▷ ①Or reject ②Or train
4:8 for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
4:9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.
4:10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.
4:11 ①Prescribe and teach these things.
▷ ①Or Keep commanding and teaching
4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example ①of those who believe.
▷ ①Or to
4:13 Until I come, give your attention to the public ①reading, to exhortation, and teaching.
▷ ①I.e., of Scripture in the church service
4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the ①council of elders.
▷ ①Or board of elders
4:15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.