The Great Falling Away
NOW the Spirit says explicitly, that in the later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits, and doctrines of demons;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of those which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is made holy through the word of God and prayer.
Being a Good Servant of Christ
6 ¶ If you instruct the brothers of these things, you shall be a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of the faith and good doctrine, which you have followed.
7 But reject the worldly, and old wives’ myths; and exercise yourself to godliness.
8 For bodily exercise benefits a little; but godliness is beneficial to all things: having promise of the life that is now, and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 ¶ Because of this, we both work hard and suffer reproach, because we put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no man look down on your youth; rather, be an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in holiness.
13 ¶ Until I come, give attention to reading, to encouragement, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the Elders.
15 Contemplate these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your progress may appear to all.
16 Pay close attention to yourself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this, you shall both save yourself, and those that hear you.