1 But AJohn 16:13; Acts 20:23; 21:11; 1 Cor 2:10fthe Spirit explicitly says that B2 Thess 2:3ff; 2 Tim 3:1; 2 Pet 3:3; Jude 18in later times some will 1I.e. apostacizefall away from the faith, paying attention to C1 John 4:6deceitful spirits and DJames 3:15doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars AEph 4:19seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who AHeb 13:4forbid marriage and advocate BCol 2:16, 23abstaining from foods which CGen 1:29; 9:3God has created to be DRom 14:6; 1 Cor 10:30f; 1 Tim 4:4gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For A1 Cor 10:26everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is BRom 14:6; 1 Cor 10:30f; 1 Tim 4:3received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of AGen 1:25, 31; Heb 11:3the word of God and prayer.

6 In pointing out these things to AActs 1:15the brethren, you will be a good B2 Cor 11:23servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the 1Lit goodC1 Tim 1:10sound doctrine which you DLuke 1:3; Phil 2:20, 22; 2 Tim 3:10have been following. 7 But 1Or rejecthave nothing to do with A1 Tim 1:9worldly B1 Tim 1:4fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of C1 Tim 4:8; 6:3, 5f; 2 Tim 3:5godliness; 8 for ACol 2:23bodily discipline is only of little profit, but B1 Tim 4:7; 6:3, 5f; 2 Tim 3:5godliness is profitable for all things, since it CPs 37:9, 11; Prov 19:23; 22:4; Matt 6:33holds promise for the DMatt 6:33; 12:32; Mark 10:30present life and also for the life to come. 9 A1 Tim 1:15It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed A2 Cor 1:10; 1 Tim 6:17our hope on B1 Tim 3:15the living God, who is CJohn 4:42; 1 Tim 2:4the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

11 1Or Keep commanding and teachingA1 Tim 5:7; 6:2Prescribe and teach these things. 12 A1 Cor 16:11; Titus 2:15Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, BTitus 2:7; 1 Pet 5:3love, faith and purity, show yourself C1 Tim 1:14an example 1Or toof those who believe. 13 A1 Tim 3:14Until I come, give attention to the public B2 Tim 3:15ffreading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through A1 Tim 1:18prophetic utterance with BActs 6:6; 1 Tim 5:22; 2 Tim 1:6the laying on of hands by the 1Or board of eldersCActs 11:30presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 AActs 20:28Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will 1Lit save both yourself and thoseB1 Cor 1:21ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.