1 Now ^xthe Spirit expressly says that ^yin later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^zdeceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of ^aliars whose consciences are seared, 3 ^bwho forbid marriage and ^crequire abstinence from foods ^dthat God created ^eto be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For ^feverything created by God is good, and ^gnothing is to be rejected if it is ^ereceived with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy ^hby the word of God and prayer.

6 ⁱIf you put these things before the brothers,¹ you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have ^jfollowed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^ksilly myths. Rather ^ltrain yourself for godliness; 8 for while ^mbodily training is of some value, godliness ⁿis of value in every way, as ^oit holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is ^ptrustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,² because we have our hope set on the living God, ^qwho is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach ^rthese things. 12 ^sLet no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^tan example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 ^uDo not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^vby prophecy when the council of elders ^wlaid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,³ so that ^xall may see your progress. 16 ^yKeep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ^zboth yourself and ^ayour hearers.