| 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, |
| 2 | Through the hypocrisy
and
pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), |
| 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 | For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away
or
refused if it is received with thanksgiving. |
| 5 | For it is hallowed
and
consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer. |
| 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. |
| 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]. |
| 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. |
| 9 | This saying is reliable
and
worthy of complete acceptance by everybody. |
| 10 | With a view to this we toil and strive, [yes and]
[a]
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). |
| 11 | Continue to command these things and to teach them. |
| 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. |
| 13 | Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching
and
instilling doctrine. |
| 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]. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
|