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Some Will Depart from the Faith

¹ Now ^(a)the Spirit expressly says that ^(b)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^(c)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² through the insincerity of ^(d)liars whose consciences are seared, ^3 (e)who forbid marriage and ^(f)require abstinence from foods ^(g)that God created ^(h)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For ⁽ⁱ⁾everything created by God is good, and ^(j)nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(k)received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy ^(l)by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

^6 (m)If you put these things before the brothers,^[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have ⁽ⁿ⁾followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^(o)silly myths. Rather ^(p)train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while ^(q)bodily training is of some value, godliness ^(r)is of value in every way, as ^(s)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ The saying is ^(t)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive,^[b] because we have our hope set on the living God, ^(u)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach ^(v)these things. ^12 (w)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(x)an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ^14 (y)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^(z)by prophecy when the council of elders ^(aa)laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,^[c] so that ^(ab)all may see your progress. ^16 (ac)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ^(ad)both yourself and ^(ae)your hearers.