1 The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days some people will leave the faith. They will follow spirits that will fool them. They will believe things that demons will teach them.
2 Teachings like those come from liars who pretend to be what they are not. Their sense of what is right and wrong has been burned as if with a hot iron.
3 They do not allow people to get married. They order them not to eat certain foods. But God created those foods. So people who believe and know the truth should receive them and give thanks for them.
4 Everything God created is good. You shouldn't turn anything down. Instead, you should thank God for it.
5 The word of God and prayer make it holy.
6 Point these things out to the brothers and sisters. Then you will serve Christ Jesus well. You were brought up in the truths of the faith. You received good teaching. You followed it.
7 Don't have anything to do with godless stories and silly tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
8 Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to come.
9 Here is a saying you can trust. You can accept it completely.
10 We work hard for it. Here is the saying. We have put our hope in the living God. He is the Savior of all people. Most of all he is the Savior of those who believe.
11 Command those things. Teach them.
12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live. Also set an example in how you love and in what you believe. Show the believers how to be pure.
13 Until I come, spend your time reading Scripture out loud to one another. Spend your time preaching and teaching.
14 Don't fail to use the gift the Holy Spirit gave you. He gave it to you through a message from God. It was given when the elders placed their hands on you.
15 Keep on doing those things. Give them your complete attention. Then everyone will see how you are coming along.