Chapter 4

Apostasy

1 But athe Spirit explicitly says that bin later times some will 1fall away from the faith, paying attention to cdeceitful spirits and ddoctrines of demons,

2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars aseared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,

3 men who aforbid marriage and advocate babstaining from foods which cGod has created to be dgratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For aeverything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is breceived with gratitude;

5 for it is sanctified by means of athe word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

6 In pointing out these things to athe brethren, you will be a good bservant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the 1csound doctrine which you dhave been following.

7 But 1have nothing to do with aworldly bfables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of cgodliness;

8 for abodily discipline is only of little profit, but bgodliness is profitable for all things, since it cholds promise for the dpresent life and also for the life to come.

9 aIt is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.

10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed aour hope on bthe living God, who is cthe Savior of all men, especially of believers.

11 1aPrescribe and teach these things.

12 aLet no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, blove, faith and purity, show yourself can example 1of those who believe.

13 aUntil I come, give attention to the public breading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through aprophetic utterance with bthe laying on of hands by the 1cpresbytery.

15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

16 aPay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will 1bensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.