4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves¹ with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,² 4:2 influenced by the hypocrisy of liars³ whose consciences are seared. 4:3 They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4 For every creation of God is good and no food⁴ is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5 For it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.

4:6 By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters,⁵ you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.⁶ 4:7 But reject those myths⁷ fit only for the godless and gullible,⁸ and train yourself for godliness. 4:8 For “physical exercise⁹ has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” 4:9 This saying¹⁰ is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 4:10 In fact this is why¹¹ we work hard and struggle,¹² because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

4:11 Command and teach these things. 4:12 Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness,¹³ and purity. 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture,¹⁴ to exhortation, to teaching. 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have,¹⁵ given to you and confirmed by prophetic words¹⁶ when the elders laid hands on you.¹⁷ 4:15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.¹⁸ 4:16 Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach.¹⁹ Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.