4 The Spiritb clearly says that in later timesc some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spiritsd and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.e 3 They forbid people to marryf and order them to abstain from certain foods,g which God createdh to be received with thanksgivingi by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good,j and nothing is to be rejectedk if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of Godl and prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,a you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faithm and of the good teaching that you have followed.n 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;o rather, train yourself to be godly.p 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,q holding promise for both the present lifer and the life to come.s 9 This is a trustworthy sayingt that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,u who is the Savior of all people,v and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.w 12 Don’t let anyone look down on youx because you are young, but set an exampley for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithz and in purity. 13 Until I come,a devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,b to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecyc when the body of eldersd laid their hands on you.e

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will savef both yourself and your hearers.