Warnings against False Teachers

1But the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2in the hypocrisy of liars, having been seared in the own conscience, 3forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and those knowing the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving, 5for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister of Jesus Christ
(Leviticus 21:1-17)

6Laying before the brothers these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good teaching that you have closely followed.

7But refuse profane and silly fables. Rather, train yourself to godliness. 8For bodily exercise is of a little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, holding the promise of the present life and of the one coming. 9Trustworthy is the saying, and worthy of full acceptance.

10For to this we toil and strive,a because we have hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 11Command and teach these things.

12Let no one despise your youth, but be a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, give heed to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

14Do not be negligent of the gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elderhood. 15Ponder these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16Give heed to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in them; for doing this, you will save both yourself and those hearing you.