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Timothy's Ministry in the Later Times

¹ Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings, ² influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. ³ They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. ⁵ For it is sanctified by God's word and by prayer.

⁶ By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷ But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness. ⁸ For "physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come." ⁹ This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. ¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. ¹⁶ Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.