But ^athe Spirit explicitly says that ^bin later times some will ¹fall away from the faith, paying attention to ^cdeceitful spirits and ^dteachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars ^aseared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 who ^aforbid marriage and advocate ^babstaining from foods which ^cGod has created to be ^dgratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For ^aeverything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^breceived with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of ^athe word of God and prayer.

6 In pointing out these things to ^athe brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^bservant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the ^cgood doctrine which you ^dhave been following. 7 But ¹stay away from ^aworthless ^bstories that are typical of old women. Rather, ²discipline yourself for the purpose of ^cgodliness; 8 for ^abodily training is just slightly beneficial, but ^bgodliness is beneficial for all things, since it ^cholds promise for the ^dpresent life and also for the life to come. 9 ^aIt is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set ^aour hope on ^bthe living God, who is ^cthe Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

11 ^1aPrescribe and teach these things. 12 ^aLet no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, ^blove, faith, and purity, show yourself ^can example ¹of those who believe. 13 ^aUntil I come, give your attention to the public ^1breading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of ^aprophecy with ^bthe laying on of hands by the ^1ccouncil of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 ^aPay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ^bsave both yourself and those who hear you.