A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6 If you point these things out to the * brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith i and the good teaching that you have followed. j 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. k Rather, train yourself in godliness, l 8 for

the training of the body has a limited benefit, m

but godliness is beneficial in every way,

since it holds promise for the present life

and also for the life to come. n

9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. o 10 In fact, we labor and strive p for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, q who is the Savior r of everyone, s especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, t in conduct, u in love, v w in faith, in purity. x 13 Until I come, y give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, z with the laying on of hands a by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save b both yourself and your hearers. c