1THE Spirit says distinctly that in later times some will desert from the faith, giving attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of men who teach falsely, branded in their own consciences, 3forbidding marriage, and insisting on abstinence from certain kinds of food which God made to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and know the truth. 4For everything made by God is excellent and nothing is to be rejected if taken with thanksgiving. 5For it is made holy through God's message and through prayer. 6In teaching this to the brethren you will be a noble servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and of the excellent teaching which you have followed. 7But avoid profane and old-womanish myths. Exercise yourself in godliness. 8Bodily exercise is useful to a small degree, but godliness is useful for everything. "It has the promise of the present life and of the life that is to come." 9This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we are laboring and wrestling, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one look down on you because you are young, but be an example to believers in speech, in the life you lead, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15Be careful about these things, be fully occupied with them, that your progress may be plain to all. 16Be thoughtful about yourself and your teaching. Persevere in this; for in doing so you will save yourself and those who hear you.