A Warning against Apostasy

1Now the Spirit says expressly, that, in the last times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and teachings suggested by demons, 2through the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their conscience, 3who forbid to marry, and command to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe, and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving; 5for it is sanctified by the word of God, and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6By recommending these things to the attention of the brethren, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, being nourished with the words of the faith, and of good teaching, which you have fully known. 7But reject those profane and old-womanish fables, and exercise yourself for godliness. 8For the exercise of the body is profitable for little; but godliness is profitable for all things, and has the promise of the life that now is, and also of that which is to come. 9This is a true saying, and worthy of all acceptation: 10for to this end we both labor, and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

11These things command and teach. 12Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in spirit, in faithfulness, in purity. 13Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you according to prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them, that your advancement may be manifest in all things. 16Take heed to yourself, and to your teaching; continue in them; for by doing this, you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.