| 1 The Spirit tells us clearly that in the last days some will defect from the faith and follow deceitful spirits and devilish doctrines, | |
| 2 led by lying hypocrites whose conscience has been branded with the stamp of infamy. | |
| 3 These persons forbid marriage and condemn the use of certain foods which God created for those who know the truth, and which the believers receive with thanksgiving. | |
| 4 Everything created by God is good, and all food is lawful; nothing is to be rejected if we receive it with thanksgiving, | |
| 5 for it is blessed with the word of God and prayer, and made holy. | |
| 6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, you will prove to be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the teachings of faith and the sound doctrine that you have followed. | |
| 7 Reject irreligious fables and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness. | |
| 8 Physical training is of limited value; godliness, instead, is useful in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the life to come. | |
| 9 Here you have a sure doctrine you can trust. | |
| 10 We toil and endure because we trust in the living God, the Savior of all, especially of those who believe. | |
| 11 Command and teach these things. | |
| 12 Let no one reproach you on account of your youth. Be a model to the believers in the way you speak and act, in your love, your faith and purity of life. | |
| 13 Devote yourself to reading, preaching and teaching, until I come. | |
| 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift conferred on you with prophetic words when the elders laid their hands upon you. | |
| 15 Think about it and practice it so that your progress may be seen by all. | |
| 16 Take heed of yourself and attend to your teaching. Be steadfast in doing this and you will save both yourself and your hearers. | |
