He prophesies of the latter days, and exhorts Timothy to the diligent reading of the holy scripture.
4 The Spirit speaks clearly that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, and will give heed to spirits of error, and to devilish teaching 2 by those who speak falsely through hypocrisy, who have their consciences marked with an hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything God created 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 you put the brethren in mind of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, who has been nourished up in the words of the faith and good teaching, which teaching you have continually followed. 7 But cast away unspiritual and old wives’ tales.
Exercise yourself unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise is of some benefit, but godliness is fruitful in all things, having promises for the life that is now and for the life to come. 9 This is a sure saying, and worthy to be received by all. 10 It is for this that we labour and suffer rebuke – because we believe in the living God, who is the saviour of all men, but especially of those who believe. 11 Such things command and teach.
12 Let no one dishonour your youth, but be to those who believe an example, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in pureness.
13 Until I come, attend to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy and with the laying on of the hands of an elder. 15 Be diligent in these things, and give yourself to them, so that it may be seen how you bring profit in all things. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine, and continue therein. For if you will so do, you will preserve yourself and those who hear you.