[1] The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some people will turn away from the faith. They will pay attention to spirits that deceive and to the teaching of demons. [2] They will be controlled by the pretense of lying, and their own consciences will be seared. [3] They will prohibit marriage and eating foods that God created—and he intended them to be accepted with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have come to know the truth. [4] Everything that has been created by God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected. [5] These things are made holy by God’s word and prayer. [6] If you point these things out to the believers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus who has been trained by the words of faith and the good teaching that you’ve carefully followed. [7] But stay away from the godless myths that are passed down from the older women. Train yourself for a holy life! [8] While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come. [9] This saying is reliable and deserves complete acceptance. [10] We work and struggle for this: “Our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially those who believe.” [11] Command these things. Teach them. [12] Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, faith, and by being sexually pure. [13] Until I arrive, pay attention to public reading, preaching, and teaching. [14] Don’t neglect the spiritual gift in you that was given through prophecy when the elders laid hands on you. [15] Practice these things, and live by them so that your progress will be visible to all. [16] Focus on working on your own development and on what you teach. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you.
