¹Now the Spirit clearly says, that in future times some people will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seductive spirits and teachings of demons. ²With deceiving hypocrisy, their consciences seared beyond sensitivity, ³they will forbid to marry, and command to abstain from foods, which things God created to be partaken of with thankfulness by those who are believing and acquainted with the truth. ⁴For every creation of God is good, and none to be rejected, when received with giving of thanks: ⁵because it is made holy through the word of God and prayer. ⁶By instructing the brethren these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished up with the word of faith and the good teachings which you have faithfully followed. ⁷But avoid profane old wives’ fables. And exercise yourself toward godliness; ⁸for bodily exercise is a little beneficial; but godliness is beneficial in all respects, having the promise of life both present and future. ⁹This is a trustworthy saying, and deserving of all acceptance. ¹⁰Toward this therefore we toil and struggle, because our hope is placed upon the living God, who is the savior for all, most certainly for those who believe. ¹¹Command and teach these things.

¹²Let no one despise your youth, but be an example for the believers, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by the laying on of hands of the elders.

¹⁵Be earnestly attentive to these things, so your progress may be seen by everyone. ¹⁶Pay close attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in them; for by so doing you will save yourself and your hearers.