1THE SPIRIT SAYS EXPRESSLY that in after times some will desert from the faith and give their minds to subversive doctrines inspired by devils, 2through the specious falsehoods of men whose own conscience is branded with the devil's sign. 3They forbid marriage and inculcate abstinence from certain foods, though God created them to be enjoyed with thanksgiving by believers who have inward knowledge of the truth. 4For everything that God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected when it is taken with thanksgiving, 5since it is hallowed by God's own word and by prayer.
6By offering such advice as this to the brotherhood you will prove a good servant of Christ Jesus, bred in the precepts of our faith and of the sound instruction which you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with those godless myths, fit only for old women. Keep yourself in training for the practice of religion. 8The training of the body does bring limited benefit, but the benefits of religion are without limit, since it holds promise not only for this life but for the life to come. 9Here are words you may trust, words that merit full acceptance: 10'With this before us we labour and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men'—the Saviour, above all, of believers.
11Pass on these orders and these teachings. 12Let no one slight you because you are young, but make yourself an example to believers in speech and behaviour, in love, fidelity, and purity. 13Until I arrive devote your attention to the public reading of the scriptures, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14Do not neglect the spiritual endowment you possess, which was given you, under the guidance of prophecy, through the laying on of the hands of the elders as a body.
15Make these matters your business and your absorbing interest, so that your progress may be plain to all. 16Persevere in them, keeping close watch on yourself and your teaching; by doing so you will further the salvation of yourself and your hearers.
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