1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, |
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, |
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. |
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; |
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. |
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. |
7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. |
8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. |
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. |
10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. |
11 These things command and teach. |
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. |
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. |
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. |
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. |
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. |