1 N ow the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

The Holy Spirit tells us in plain words that in the last days some people will turn away from the faith. They will listen to what is said about spirits and follow the teaching about demons.

2 S peaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Those who teach this tell it as the truth when they know it is a lie. They do it so much that their own hearts no longer say it is wrong.

3 F orbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

They will say, “Do not get married. Do not eat some kinds of food.” But God gave these things to Christians who know the truth. We are to thank God for them.

4 F or every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Everything God made is good. We should not put anything aside if we can take it and thank God for it.

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

It is made holy by the Word of God and prayer. Christians Are to Grow

6 I f thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

If you keep telling these things to the Christians, you will be a good worker for Jesus Christ. You will feed your own soul on these words of faith and on this good teaching which you have followed.

7 B ut refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Have nothing to do with foolish stories old women tell. Keep yourself growing in God-like living.

8 F or bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also.

9 T his is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

These words are true and they can be trusted.

10 F or therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Because of this, we work hard and do our best because our hope is in the living God, the One Who would save all men. He saves those who believe in Him. Paul’s Helpful Words to Young Timothy

11 T hese things command and teach.

Tell people that this is what they must do.

12 L et no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Let no one show little respect for you because you are young. Show other Christians how to live by your life. They should be able to follow you in the way you talk and in what you do. Show them how to live in faith and in love and in holy living.

13 T ill I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Until I come, read and preach and teach the Word of God to the church.

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

Be sure to use the gift God gave you. The leaders saw this in you when they laid their hands on you and said what you should do.

15 M editate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Think about all this. Work at it so everyone may see you are growing as a Christian.

16 T ake heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Watch yourself how you act and what you teach. Stay true to what is right. If you do, you and those who hear you will be saved from the punishment of sin.