A Warning About False Teachers

4 Now the ·Holy Spirit [^LSpirit] clearly says that in the later times some people will ·stop believing [abandon; desert] the faith [2 Thess. 2:3–9; 2 Tim. 3:1]. They will ·follow [occupy themselves with; devote themselves to] ·spirits that lie [deceiving spirits] and teachings of demons. ² Such teachings come ·from the false words [or through the hypocrisy] of liars whose consciences are ·destroyed [seared; or branded] as if by a hot iron. ³ They forbid people to marry and tell them not to eat certain foods which God created to be ·eaten [received] with thanks by people who believe and know the truth. ⁴ [^LFor] Everything God created is good, and nothing should be ·refused [rejected] if it is accepted with thanks, ⁵ because it is ·made holy [sanctified] by ·what God has said [the word/pronouncement of God] and by prayer.

Be a Good Servant of Christ

⁶ By ·telling [pointing out] these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will be ·made strong [nourished; nurtured] by the words of the faith and the good teaching which you have been following. ⁷ But ·do not follow [reject] ·foolish stories that disagree with God’s truth [^Tgodless myths and old wives tales], but train yourself ·to serve God [for godliness/piety]. ⁸ [^LFor] ·Training your body [Physical exercise] helps you in ·some [or small] ways, but ·serving God [godliness] helps you in every way ·by bringing you blessings [^Lsince it holds promise] in this life and in the future life, too. ⁹ What I say is true [or This saying/word is trustworthy; 1:15; 3:1; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8], and ·you should fully accept it [^Lworthy of full acceptance]. ¹⁰ This is why we work and struggle,^[a] because we have put our hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Do not let anyone ·treat you as if you are unimportant [despise/disregard/look down on you] because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your ·actions [conduct; behavior], your love, your ·faith [faithfulness], and your ·pure life [purity]. ¹³ Until I come, ·continue to read the Scriptures to the people [attend/devote yourself to the public reading (of Scripture)], ·strengthen [encourage; exhort] them, and teach them. ¹⁴ ·Use [^LDo not neglect] the ·gift from the Spirit [spiritual gift; ^Lgift] ·you have [that is in you], which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you [^Ca way of dedicating someone to Christian service; 1:18; 5:22]. ¹⁵ ·Continue [Take care; Be diligent] to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone. ¹⁶ Be ·careful [conscientious] ·in your life [^Labout yourself] and in your teaching. If you ·continue to live and teach rightly [^Lpersevere in these things], you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.