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Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
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influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.
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They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
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For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,
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because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
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By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
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But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
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For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
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This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.
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To this end we labor and strive,(a) because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.
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Command and teach these things.
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Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
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Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
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Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.
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Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
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Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Footnotes