1 T he Holy Spirit tells us in plain words that in the last days some people will turn away from the faith. They will listen to what is said about spirits and follow the teaching about demons.

But the Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,

2 T hose who teach this tell it as the truth when they know it is a lie. They do it so much that their own hearts no longer say it is wrong.

Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),

3 T hey will say, “Do not get married. Do not eat some kinds of food.” But God gave these things to Christians who know the truth. We are to thank God for them.

Who forbid people to marry and to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have knowledge of the truth.

4 E verything God made is good. We should not put anything aside if we can take it and thank God for it.

For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving.

5 I t is made holy by the Word of God and prayer. Christians Are to Grow

For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer.

6 I f you keep telling these things to the Christians, you will be a good worker for Jesus Christ. You will feed your own soul on these words of faith and on this good teaching which you have followed.

If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good instruction which you have closely followed.

7 H ave nothing to do with foolish stories old women tell. Keep yourself growing in God-like living.

But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety),.

8 G rowing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also.

For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

9 T hese words are true and they can be trusted.

This saying is reliable and worthy of complete acceptance by everybody.

10 B ecause of this, we work hard and do our best because our hope is in the living God, the One Who would save all men. He saves those who believe in Him. Paul’s Helpful Words to Young Timothy

With a view to this we toil and strive, suffer reproach, because we have hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him).

11 T ell people that this is what they must do.

Continue to command these things and to teach them.

12 L et no one show little respect for you because you are young. Show other Christians how to live by your life. They should be able to follow you in the way you talk and in what you do. Show them how to live in faith and in love and in holy living.

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

13 U ntil I come, read and preach and teach the Word of God to the church.

Till I come, devote yourself to reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine.

14 B e sure to use the gift God gave you. The leaders saw this in you when they laid their hands on you and said what you should do.

Do not neglect the gift which is in you, which was directly imparted to you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you.

15 T hink about all this. Work at it so everyone may see you are growing as a Christian.

Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them, so that your progress may be evident to everybody.

16 W atch yourself how you act and what you teach. Stay true to what is right. If you do, you and those who hear you will be saved from the punishment of sin.

Look well to yourself and to teaching; persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.