1Now the Spirit4:1 Jn 14:17; 16:13; Ac 20:23; 21:11; 1Co 2:10–11 explicitly says that in later times4:1 2Th 2:3–9; 2Tm 3:1; 2Pt 3:3; Jd 18 some will depart from the faith,4:1 Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2; Jd 3 paying attention to deceitful spirits4:1 Mt 7:15; 1Jn 4:6 and the teachings of demons,4:1 Jms 3:15

2through the hypocrisy4:2 Mk 12:15 of liars whose consciences4:2 Heb 13:18 are seared.

3They forbid marriage4:3 1Tm 5:14; Heb 13:4 and demand abstinence4:3 Rm 14:6; Col 2:16,23; 1Th 4:3; 5:22; 1Pt 2:11 from foods that God created4:3 Gn 1:29; 9:3 to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth.

4For everything created by God is good,4:4 Gn 1:31 and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,4:4 Ac 10:15

5since it is sanctified by the word of God4:5 Lk 8:21; 1Tm 2:1; Heb 4:12 and by prayer.

6If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith4:6 Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2; Jd 3 and the good teaching that you have followed.4:6 2Tm 3:10–15

7But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.4:7 1Tm 1:4; 2Tm 4:4; Ti 1:14; 2Pt 1:16 Rather, train yourself in godliness.4:7 2Pt 1:3

8For the training of the body has limited benefit,4:8 Col 2:23 but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.4:8 Ps 37:9,11; Pr 19:23; 22:4; Mt 6:33; Mk 10:30; Jn 12:25; Ac 13:48; 1Pt 3:9

9This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.4:9 1Tm 1:15; 3:1; 2Tm 2:11

10For this reason we labor and strive,4:10 Other mss read and suffer reproach because we have put our hope in the living God,4:10 Dt 5:26; Jos 3:10; 1Sm 17:26; Ps 42:2; Jr 10:10; Dn 6:20; Ac 14:15; 1Tm 3:15 who is the Savior4:10 1Tm 1:1 of all people,4:10 1Tm 2:4; Ti 2:11 especially of those who believe.

11Command and teach these things.

12Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,4:12 Pr 12:6 in conduct,4:12 2Pt 3:11 in love,4:12 Other mss add in spirit,4:12 1Co 13:1 in faith, and in purity.4:12 1Tm 5:2

13Until I come,4:13 1Tm 3:14 give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.

14Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,4:14 1Co 13:2; 1Tm 1:18; 2Tm 1:6 with the laying on of hands4:14 1Tm 5:22 by the council of elders.

15Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.

16Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save4:16 Eph 2:8; Jd 23 both yourself and your hearers.4:16 Ezk 33:9; Ac 20:28; Rm 11:14