4:1 BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly {and} expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding {and} seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, |
4:2 Through the hypocrisy {and} pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), |
4:3 Who forbid people to marry and [teach them] to abstain from [certain kinds of] foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe {and} have [an increasingly clear] knowledge of the truth. |
4:4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away {or} refused if it is received with thanksgiving. |
4:5 For it is hallowed {and} consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer. |
4:6 If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward {and} a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed. |
4:7 But refuse {and} avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers' tales) and silly myths, {and} express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. |
4:8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful {and} of value in everything {and} in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. |
4:9 This saying is reliable {and} worthy of complete acceptance by everybody. |
4:10 With a view to this we toil and strive, [yes and] {suffer reproach}, because we have [fixed our] hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him). |
4:11 Continue to command these things and to teach them. |
4:12 Let no one despise {or} think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. |
4:13 Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching {and} instilling doctrine. |
4:14 Do not neglect the gift which is in you, [that special inward endowment] which was directly imparted to you [by the Holy Spirit] by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you [at your ordination]. |
4:15 Practice {and} cultivate {and} meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody. |
4:16 Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. |