NOW the Spirit speaketh expresly, that in the latter days some will
apostatise from the faith, giving heed to spirits of delusion, and
doctrines of devils; (2)men who teach lies with hypocrisy; and have
their own consciences cauterised; (3)prohibiting marriage, and
enjoining abstinence from particular meats, which God created to be
received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and those who acknowledge
the truth. (4)For every creature of God is good, and none to be
rejected, if used with thanksgiving: (5)for it is sanctified by the
word of God and prayer. (6)If thou suggest these truths to the
brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up
in the words of faith and sound doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
(7)But profane and antiquated fables reject, but exercise thyself unto
godliness. (8)For bodily exercise is of little advantage, but godliness
is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life which now
is, and of that which is to come. (9)This is a faithful saying, and
deserving all acceptance. (10)For therefore do we labour and are
exposed to abuse, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the
Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful. (11)Announce and teach
these things. (12)Let no man despise thy youth; but be a pattern of the
faithful, in discourse; in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in
purity. (13)Till I come, apply to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
(14)Neglect not the gift which is in thee, which was given thee by
prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the presbytery. (15)Let these
things be thy care; be wholly devoted to them; that thy progress may be
evident to all men. (16)Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine;
abide in them: for so doing thou shalt both save thyself, and those who
hear thee.