[1] But the Spirit says clearly that in later times some will be turned
away from the faith, giving their minds to spirits of deceit, and the
teachings of evil spirits, [2] Through the false ways of men whose words
are untrue, whose hearts are burned as with a heated iron; [3] Who keep men
from being married and from taking food which God made to be taken with
praise by those who have faith and true knowledge. [4] Because everything
which God has made is good, and nothing is evil, if it is taken with
praise: [5] For it is made holy by the word of God and by prayer. [6] If
you keep these things before the minds of the brothers, you will be a good
servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the right
teaching which has been your guide: [7] But have nothing to do with unclean
and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion: [8] For the
training of the body is of profit for a little, but religion is of profit
in every way, giving hope for the life which now is, and for that which is
to come. [9] This is a true saying, in which all may put their faith. [10]
And this is the purpose of all our work and our fighting, because our hope
is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and specially of those
who have faith. [11] Let these be your orders and your teaching. [12] Let
no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the
church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living. [13] Till
I come, give attention to the reading of the holy Writings, to comforting
the saints, and to teaching. [14] Make use of that grace in you, which was
given to you by the word of the prophets, when the rulers of the church put
their hands on you. [15] Have a care for these things; give yourself to
them with all your heart, so that all may see how you go forward. [16] Give
attention to yourself and your teaching. Go on in these things; for in
doing so you will get salvation for yourself and for those who give hearing
to you.
