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Apostasy

¹ But ^(C1)the Holy Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that ^(C2)in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to ^(C3)deceitful and seductive spirits and ^(C4)doctrines of demons,² misled by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are ^(C1)seared as with a branding iron leaving them incapable of ethical functioning,³ who ^(C1)forbid marriage and advocate ^(C2)abstaining from certain kinds of foods which ^(C3)God has created to be ^(C4)gratefully shared by those who believe and have a clear knowledge of the truth.⁴ For ^(C1)everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(C2)received with gratitude;⁵ for it is sanctified set apart, dedicated to God by means of ^(C1)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister's Discipline

⁶ If you point out these instructions to ^(C1)the ^(F1)brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^(C2)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished through study on the words of the faith and of the ^(C3)good Christian doctrine which you ^(C4)have closely followed.⁷ But have nothing to do with ^(C1)irreverent ^(C2)folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of ^(C3)godliness keeping yourself spiritually fit.⁸ For ^(C1)physical training is of some value, but ^(C2)godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it ^(C3)holds promise for the ^(C4)present life and for the life to come.^9 (C1)This is a faithful and trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance and approval.¹⁰ It is for this that we labor and strive often called to account, because we have fixed ^(C1)our confident hope on ^(C2)the living God, who is ^(C3)the ^(F1)Savior of all people, especially of those who believe in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord.

^11 (C1)Keep commanding and teaching these things.^12 (C1)Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be ^(C2)an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in ^(C3)love, in faith, and in moral purity.^13 (C1)Until I come, devote yourself to public ^(C2)reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching the sound doctrine of God's word.¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, that special endowment which was intentionally bestowed on you by the Holy Spirit through ^(C1)prophetic utterance when the ^(F1)(C2)elders ^(C3)laid their hands on you at your ordination.¹⁵ Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them completely occupied in your ministry, so that your progress will be evident to all.^16 (C1)Pay close attention to yourself concentrate on your personal development and to your teaching; persevere in these things hold to them, for as you do this you will ^(C2)ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.