Abandonment of Faith

4 But ^(A)the Spirit explicitly says that ^(B)in later times some will ^[a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to ^(C)deceitful spirits and ^(D)teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars ^(E)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ who ^(F)forbid marriage and advocate ^(G)abstaining from foods which ^(H)God has created to be ^(I)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For ^(J)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(K)received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of ^(L)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

⁶ In pointing out these things to ^(M)the brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^(N)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the ^(O)good doctrine which you ^(P)have been following. ⁷ But ^[b]stay away from ^(Q)worthless ^(R)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, ^[c]discipline yourself for the purpose of ^(S)godliness; ⁸ for ^(T)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but ^(U)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it ^(V)holds promise for the ^(W)present life and also for the life to come. ^9 (X)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set ^(Y)our hope on ^(Z)the living God, who is ^(AA)the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

^11 [d](AB)Prescribe and teach these things. ^12 (AC)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, ^(AD)love, faith, and purity, show yourself ^(AE)an example ^[e]of those who believe. ^13 (AF)Until I come, give your attention to the public ^[f](AG)reading, to exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of ^(AH)prophecy with ^(AI)the laying on of hands by the ^[g](AJ)council of elders. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ^16 (AK)Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ^(AL)save both yourself and those who hear you.