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 explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

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.

by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,

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.

men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know 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 created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

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

for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. A Good Minister’s Discipline

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.

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.

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

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

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 bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

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

It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.

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

For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

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

Prescribe and teach these things.

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 look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

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

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

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 spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.

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

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

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.

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.