A Warning against Apostasy

1Now the Spirit has clearly said that, in the end times, some persons will depart from the faith, paying attention to spirits of error and the doctrines of devils, 2speaking lies in hypocrisy, and having their consciences seared, 3prohibiting marriage, abstaining from foods, which God has created to be accepted with thanksgiving by the faithful and by those who have understood the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected which is received with thanksgiving; 5for it has been sanctified by the Word of God and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6By proposing these things to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished by words of faith, and by the good doctrine that you have secured. 7But avoid the silly fables of old women. And exercise yourself so as to advance in piety. 8For the exercise of the body is somewhat useful. But piety is useful in all things, holding the promise of life, in the present and in the future. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of full acceptance. 10For this reason we labor and are maligned: because we hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, most especially of the faithful.

11Instruct and teach these things. 12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example among the faithful in word, in behavior, in charity, in faith, in chastity. 13Until I arrive, attend to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. 14Do not be willing to neglect the grace that is within you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the imposition of the hands of the priesthood. 15Meditate on these things, so that your progress may be manifest to all. 16Pay attention to yourself and to doctrine. Pursue these things. For in doing so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.