1 P ero el Espíritu dice claramente que, en los últimos tiempos, algunos apostatarán de la fe y escucharán a espíritus engañadores y a doctrinas de demonios,

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 y que por la hipocresía de los mentirosos que tienen cauterizada la conciencia,

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 p rohibirán casarse y mandarán abstenerse de los alimentos que Dios creó, para que los creyentes y los que han conocido la verdad participaran de ellos con acción de gracias.

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 P orque todo lo que Dios creó es bueno, y nada es desechable, si se toma con acción de gracias,

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

5 p ues por la palabra de Dios y por la oración es santificado. Un buen ministro de Jesucristo

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

6 S i enseñas esto a los hermanos, serás un buen ministro de Jesucristo, nutrido con las palabras de la fe y de la buena doctrina que has seguido.

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 D esecha las fábulas profanas y de viejas. Ejercítate para la piedad;

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

8 p orque el ejercicio corporal es poco provechoso, pero la piedad es provechosa para todo, pues cuenta con promesa para esta vida presente, y para la venidera.

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 E sta palabra es fiel, y digna de ser recibida por todos.

These words are true and they can be trusted.

10 Y por esto mismo trabajamos y sufrimos oprobios, porque hemos puesto nuestra esperanza en el Dios vivo, que es el Salvador de todos los hombres, y mayormente de los que creen.

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 E sto manda y enseña.

Tell people that this is what they must do.

12 N inguno tenga en poco tu juventud, sino sé ejemplo de los creyentes en palabra, conducta, amor, espíritu, fe y pureza.

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 M ientras llego, ocúpate en la lectura, la exhortación y la enseñanza.

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

14 N o descuides el don que hay en ti, y que recibiste mediante profecía, cuando se te impusieron las manos del presbiterio.

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 O cúpate en estas cosas, y permanece en ellas, para que tu aprovechamiento sea evidente a todos.

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

16 T en cuidado de ti mismo y de la doctrina; persiste en ello. Si haces esto, te salvarás a ti mismo y a los que te escuchen.

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.