1 But the Spirit saith explicitly, that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith; and will go after deceptive spirits, and after the doctrine of demons.
2 These will seduce, by a false appearance; and will utter a lie, and will be seared in their conscience;
3 and will forbid to marry; and will require abstinence from meats, which God hath created for use and for thankfulness, by them who believe and know the truth.
4 Because whatever is created by God is good; and there is nothing which should be rejected if it be received with thankfulness;
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
6 If thou shalt inculcate these things on thy brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Jesus the Messiah, being educated in the language of the faith, and in the good doctrine which thou hast been taught.
7 But the silly tales of old women, shun thou; and occupy thyself with righteousness.
8 For, exercising the body is profitable a little while; but righteousness is every way profitable and hath promise of the life of the present time and of that to come.
9 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of reception.
10 For on this account, we toil and suffer reproach; because we trust in the living God, who is the life-giver of all men, especially of the believers.
11 These things teach thou, and inculcate.
12 And let no one despise thy youth; but be thou a pattern for the believers, in speech, and in behavior, and in love, and in faith, and in purity.
13 Until I come, be diligent in reading, and in prayer, and in teaching.
14 Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, and by the laying on of the hand of the eldership.
15 On these things meditate; give thyself wholly to them: that it may be obvious to all that thou makest advances.
16 Be attentive to thyself, and to thy teaching; and persevere in them. For in doing this, thou wilt procure life to thyself and to them who hear thee.
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