4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

4:2 through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared,
4:2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

4:3 who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4:3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving 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 thanksgiving;
4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving;

4:5 for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
4:5 for it is sanctified by God's word and by prayer.

4:6 If you put these instructions before the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.
4:6 If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed.

4:7 Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness;
4:7 Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives' tales. Train yourself in godliness,

4:8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
4:8 for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

4:9 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance.
4:9 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance.

4:10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
4:10 For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

4:11 Command and teach these things.
4:11 These are the things you must insist on and teach.

4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

4:13 Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching.
4:13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.

4:14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you.
4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

4:15 Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
4:15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

4:16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.