A Warning against Apostasy

1Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

3They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, 5because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ,a nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.

7But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. 8For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promiseb for the present life and for the one to come. 9This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

10To this end we both labor and suffer reproach,c because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe. 11Command and teach these things.

12Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit,d in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.