¹The Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will abandon the faith, follow deceptive spirits, and believe things that demons teach.

²Teachings like those come from liars who are hypocrites and who have destroyed their own consciences.

³They don’t allow people to get married, and they order them not to eat certain foods. But God created those foods, so people who believe and know the truth should receive them and give thanks for them.

⁴Everything God created is good, and you shouldn’t reject any of it. Instead, you should thank God for it,

⁵because the word of God and prayer make it holy.

⁶If you point out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be serving Christ Jesus well. You’ll show that you’ve been strengthened by the truths of the faith and by the good teaching you’ve obeyed.

⁷But don’t have anything to do with foolish and ignorant stories that leave God out completely. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

⁸Physical training has some value, but being godly has value in every way. It can help both in the life you’re now living and in the life to come.

⁹That’s a saying you can trust.

¹⁰This is why we work and try so hard—because we’ve put our hope in the living God, who’s the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹Command and teach these things.

¹²Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re a young person. Instead, set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live, how you love, and in what you believe. Show the believers how to be pure.

¹³Until I come, I want you to concentrate on reading Scripture publicly and on encouraging and teaching others.

¹⁴Don’t fail to use the gift that the Holy Spirit gave you through a prophecy from God when the elders placed their hands on you.

¹⁵Keep on doing these things. Work hard at them, and then everyone will see how you’re growing and maturing.

¹⁶Be careful how you live and what you believe. If you keep doing what I’ve told you, you’ll save yourself and those who listen to you.