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1 Now the Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will leave the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
2 in lying hypocrisy, their own consciences having been seared.
3 They will forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created for sharing with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing that we take with thanksgiving is to be rejected,
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 By placing these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished by the words of the faith and by the good teaching that you have followed.
7 But reject the worldly stories loved by old women. Instead, train yourself in godliness.
8 For bodily training is of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, holding promise for this present life and for the one to come.
9 This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance.
10 For this reason, we struggle and work very hard, because we have hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example for those who believe; in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
13 Until I come, attend to the reading, to the exhortation, and to the teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
15 Study these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all people.
16 Give careful attention to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in these things, for by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
The First Letter of Paul to Timothy