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Warnings against False Teachers

¹ Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,² influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.³ They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.⁴ For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,⁵ because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister of Jesus Christ

(Leviticus 21:1-17)

⁶ By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and sound instruction you have followed.⁷ But reject irreverent and silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.⁸ For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.⁹ This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.¹⁰ To this end we labor and strive^(a), because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.¹¹ Command and teach these things.¹² Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.