Warning Against False Teachers

1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 by the hypocrisy of liars, having their own conscience seared as with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 By setting these things before the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished in the words of the faith and of the good teaching which you have followed.
7 But have nothing to do with profane and old-wives’ myths; rather, train yourself for godliness.
8 For bodily training is of some value, but godliness is valuable for all things, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
9 Trustworthy is the saying and worthy of full acceptance.
10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

Instructions for Ministry

11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persist in them, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.