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Abandonment of Faith

¹ But ^(C1)the Spirit explicitly says that ^(C2)in later times some will ^(F1)fall away from the faith, paying attention to ^(C3)deceitful spirits and ^(C4)teachings of demons,² by means of the hypocrisy of liars ^(C1)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,³ who ^(C1)forbid marriage and advocate ^(C2)abstaining from foods which ^(C3)God has created to be ^(C4)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.⁴ For ^(C1)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(C2)received with gratitude;⁵ for it is sanctified by means of ^(C1)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister's Discipline

⁶ In pointing out these things to ^(C1)the brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^(C2)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the ^(C3)good doctrine which you ^(C4)have been following.⁷ But ^(F1)stay away from ^(C1)worthless ^(C2)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, ^(F2)discipline yourself for the purpose of ^(C3)godliness;⁸ for ^(C1)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but ^(C2)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it ^(C3)holds promise for the ^(C4)present life and also for the life to come.^9 (C1)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set ^(C1)our hope on ^(C2)the living God, who is ^(C3)the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

^11 (F1)(C1)Prescribe and teach these things.^12 (C1)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, ^(C2)love, faith, and purity, show yourself ^(C3)an example ^(F1)of those who believe.^13 (C1)Until I come, give your attention to the public ^(F1)(C2)reading, to exhortation, and teaching.¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of ^(C1)prophecy with ^(C2)the laying on of hands by the ^(F1)(C3)council of elders.¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.^16 (C1)Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ^(C2)save both yourself and those who hear you.