Demonic Influence

1Now the Spirita explicitly says that in later timesb some will depart from the faith,c paying attention to deceitful spiritsd and the teachings of demons,e 2through the hypocrisyf of liars whose consciencesg are seared. 3They forbid marriageh and demand abstinencei from foods that God createdj to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good,k and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,l 5since it is sanctified by the word of Godm and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6If you point these things out to the •brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faithn and the good teaching that you have followed.o 7But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths.p Rather, train yourself in godliness,q 8for

the training of the body has a limited benefit,r

but godliness is beneficial in every way,

since it holds promise for the present life

and also for the life to come.s

9This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.t 10In fact, we labor and striveu for this, because we have put our hope in the living God,v who is the Saviorw of everyone,x especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech,y in conduct,z in love,aa, ab in faith, in purity.ac 13Until I come,ad give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,ae with the laying on of handsaf by the council of elders. 15Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will saveag both yourself and your hearers.ah