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.