Warnings against False Teachers

1Now the Spirit expressly declares that in later times some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons; 2through the hypocrisy of men who teach falsely and have their own consciences seared as with a hot iron; 3forbidding people to marry, and insisting on abstinence from foods which God has created to be partaken of, with thankfulness, by those who believe and have a clear knowledge of the truth. 4For everything that God has created is good, and nothing is to be cast aside, if only it is received with thanksgiving. 5For it is made holy by the word of God and by prayer.

A Good Minister of Jesus Christ

(Leviticus 21:1-17)

6If you warn the brethren of these dangers you will be a good and faithful servant of Christ Jesus, inwardly feeding on the lessons of the faith and of the sound teaching of which you have been, and are, so close a follower. 7But worldly stories, fit only for credulous old women, have nothing to do with. 8Train yourself in godliness. Exercise for the body is not useless, but godliness is useful in every respect, possessing, as it does, the promise of Life now and of the Life which is soon coming. 9Faithful is this saying and deserving of universal acceptance: 10and here is the motive of our toiling and wrestling, because we have our hopes fixed on the ever-living God, who is the Saviour of all mankind, and especially of believers.

11Command this and teach this. 12Let no one think slightingly of you because you are a young man; but in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, be an example for your fellow Christians to imitate. 13Till I come, bestow your attention on reading, exhortation and teaching. 14Do not be careless about the gifts with which you are endowed, which were conferred on you through a divine revelation when the hands of the elders were placed upon you. 15Habitually practise these duties, and be absorbed in them; so that your growing proficiency in them may be evident to all. 16Be on your guard as to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things; for by doing this you will make certain your own salvation and that of your hearers.