4Verse 1Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,Verse 2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.Verse 3They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.Verse 4For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,Verse 5because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
Verse 6By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.Verse 7But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.Verse 8For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.Verse 9This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.Verse 10To this end we labor and strive,+because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.Verse 11Command and teach these things.Verse 12Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.Verse 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.Verse 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.Verse 15Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.Verse 16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.