1 N ow the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 s peaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

3 f orbidding 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 F or every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

5 f or it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6 I f 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 B ut reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

8 F or 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 T his is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

10 F or 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 T hese things command and teach. Take Heed to Your Ministry

12 L et 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 T ill I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 D o 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 M editate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

16 T ake heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.