Some Will Fall Away

4 The Spirit clearly says that, in later times, some will fall away from the faith, because they devote themselves to deceitful spirits and the doctrines of demons, ² in connection with the hypocrisy of liars, whose own consciences have been seared. ³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ In fact, everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

⁶ If you point out these things to the brothers,^[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good doctrine, which you have followed faithfully. ⁷ Pay no attention to worldly and absurd myths, but train yourself for godliness. ⁸ For bodily training is beneficial to an extent, but godliness is beneficial in all things, because it holds promise both for life now and for the life to come. ⁹ This saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ Indeed, it is for this reason that we work hard and are insulted:^[b] because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Insist on these things and continue teaching them. ¹² Let no one look down on your youth. Instead, be an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the reading^[c] of Scripture, to encouraging, and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things. Constantly be involved in them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to the doctrine. Persevere in them, because by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.