Chapter 4
1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith , paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons ,
2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies , branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron ,
3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good , and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving .
5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer .
6 If you instruct the brothers of these things , you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus , nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed .
7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables . Exercise yourself towards godliness .
8 For bodily exercise has some value , but godliness has value in all things , having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come .
9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.
10 For to this end we both labour and suffer reproach , because we have set our trust in the living God , who is the Saviour of all men , especially of those who believe .
11 Command and teach these things .
12 Let no man despise your youth ; but be an example to those who believe , in word , in your way of life, in love, in spirit , in faith , and in purity.
13 Until I come , pay attention to reading, to exhortation , and to teaching .
14 Don’ t neglect the gift that is in you , which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders .
15 Be diligent in these things . Give yourself wholly to them , that your progress may be revealed to all .
16 Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching . Continue in these things , for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you .