But ^athe Holy Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that ^bin later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to ^cdeceitful and seductive spirits and ^ddoctrines of demons, 2 misled by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are ^aseared as with a branding iron leaving them incapable of ethical functioning, 3 who ^aforbid marriage and advocate ^babstaining from certain kinds of foods which ^cGod has created to be ^dgratefully shared by those who believe and have a clear knowledge of the truth. 4 For ^aeverything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^breceived with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified set apart, dedicated to God by means of ^athe word of God and prayer.

6 If you point out these instructions to ^athe ¹brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^bservant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished through study on the words of the faith and of the ^cgood Christian doctrine which you ^dhave closely followed. 7 But have nothing to do with ^airreverent ^bfolklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of ^cgodliness keeping yourself spiritually fit. 8 For ^aphysical training is of some value, but ^bgodliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it ^cholds promise for the ^dpresent life and for the life to come. 9 ^aThis is a faithful and trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance and approval. 10 It is for this that we labor and strive often called to account, because we have fixed ^aour confident hope on ^bthe living God, who is ^cthe ¹Savior of all people, especially of those who believe in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord.

11 ^aKeep commanding and teaching these things. 12 ^aLet no one look down on you because of your youth, but be ^ban example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in ^clove, in faith, and in moral purity. 13 ^aUntil I come, devote yourself to public ^breading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching the sound doctrine of God’s word. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, that special endowment which was intentionally bestowed on you by the Holy Spirit through ^aprophetic utterance when the ^1belders ^claid their hands on you at your ordination. 15 Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them completely occupied in your ministry, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 ^aPay close attention to yourself concentrate on your personal development and to your teaching; persevere in these things hold to them, for as you do this you will ^bensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.