1 The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the true faith. They will obey spirits that lie and will follow the teachings of demons.
2 Such teachings come from hypocrites, men who cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is as if their understanding were destroyed by a hot iron.
3 They tell people that it is wrong to marry. And they tell people that there are some foods that must not be eaten. But God made those foods, and the people who believe and who know the truth can eat those foods with thanks.
4 Everything that God made is good. Nothing that God made should be refused if it is accepted with thanks to God.
5 Everything God made is made holy by what God has said and by prayer.
6 Tell these things to the brothers. This will show that you are a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will show that you are made strong by the words of faith and good teaching that you have been following.
7 People tell silly stories that do not agree with God’s truth. Do not follow what those stories teach. But teach yourself only to serve God.
8 Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way. Serving God brings you blessings in this life and in the future life, too.
9 What I say is true, and you should fully accept it.
10 For this is why we work and struggle: We hope in the living God. He is the Savior of all people. And in a very special way, he is the Savior of all who believe in him.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 You are young, but do not let anyone treat you as if you were not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them with your words, with the way you live, with your love, with your faith, and with your pure life.
13 Continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them. Do these things until I come.
14 Remember to use the gift that you have. That gift was given to you through a prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Continue to do those things. Give your life to doing them. Then everyone can see that your work is progressing.
16 Be careful in your life and in your teaching. Continue to live and teach rightly. Then you will save yourself and those people who listen to you.