HKB
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: he was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 4 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the pretensions of liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point out these things to the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For bodily training is of some value, but godliness is of value in all things, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you through prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in them, for if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 5 1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are real widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice their religion in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.