4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions
4:2 through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences.
4:3 They forbid 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 everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving,
4:5 for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.
4:6 If you will give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching you have followed.
4:7 Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion,
4:8 for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.
4:9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.
4:10 For this we toil and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the savior of all, especially of those who believe.
4:11 Command and teach these things.
4:12 Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
4:13 Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
4:14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.
4:15 Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
4:16 Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.