Paul warns that some will abandon the faith in later times and forbid marriage and certain foods. He tells Timothy to be a good minister, to train himself in godliness, and to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly , that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith , giving heed to seducing spirits , and doctrines of devils ;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy ; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ;
3 Forbidding to marry , and commanding to abstain from meats , which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them 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 sanctified by the word of God and prayer .
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things , thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ , nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine , whereunto thou hast attained .
7 But refuse profane and old wives ' fables , and exercise thyself rather unto godliness .
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little : but godliness is profitable unto all things , having promise of the life that now is , and of that which is to come .
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation .
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach , because we trust in the living God , who is the Saviour of all men , specially of those that believe .
11 These things command and teach .
12 Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou an example of the believers , in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity .
13 Till I come , give attendance to reading , to exhortation , to doctrine .
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee , which was given thee by prophecy , with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery .
15 Meditate upon these things ; give thyself wholly to them ; that thy profiting may appear to all .
16 Take heed unto thyself , and unto the doctrine ; continue in them : for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself , and them that hear thee .