CHAPTER 4

1 Now, the Spirit plainly saith, that, in the latter times, some will revolt from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and to doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to enter into marriages, commanding to abstain from some kinds of food, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by believers, and by those that know the truth;

4 Because every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected which is received with thanksgiving;

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6 Exhibiting these things to the brethren, thou shalt he a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith, which thou hast followed. ²⁷²²⁷²     “Que tu as soigneusement suivie.” — “Which thou hast carefully followed.”

7 But avoid profane and old women’s fables, and, on the contrary, exercise thyself to godliness.

8 For bodily exercise is of little profit; but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promises of the present life, and of that which is to come.

9 It is a faithful saying, and worthy of being cordially embraced.

10 For in this we both labor and suffer reproaches, because we have hope fixed on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

11 Instruct and teach these things.

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in chastity.

13 Till I come, apply thyself to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift which is in thee, which was given to thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15 Take heed to these things; give attention to them, that thy profiting may be manifest to all men, (or’ in all things.)

16 Give heed to thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them; for, if thou shalt do this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.