A Warning against Apostasy 1 UST The Holy Spirit has declared clearly that some people will stop believing in{ Jesus} when this time period is about to end. Instead, they will focus on evil spirits who convince people to believe what is wrong. They will focus on what demons teach. BSB BSB: Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
2 UST { They focus on those things} because they listen to people who pretend to teach what is true but who actually teach what is false. These teachers refuse to accept that what they are doing is wrong. BSB BSB: influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.
3 UST They command people not to marry others.{ They command people} not to eat certain kinds of food. However, God made those foods so that people would thank him for them and eat them.{ He made those foods} for people who trust in{ Jesus} and who understand what is true. BSB BSB: 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.
4 UST { I say that} because everything that God made is good. People can eat any{ kind of food} as long as they thank God for it. BSB BSB: For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,
5 UST { That is} because what God has said and what people pray makes the food holy. BSB BSB: because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ 6 UST When you instruct your fellow believers about those things, you will be serving Jesus the Messiah well. You will become spiritually stronger because of the good news that you have believed, which includes the correct teachings that you have accepted. BSB BSB: 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.
7 UST You should refuse to listen to silly legends that have nothing to do with God. Instead, you should work hard to honor God. BSB BSB: But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
8 UST Here is what I mean: working hard to make your body stronger is helpful for a little while. However, working hard to honor God is helpful at all times. When you do that, you can confidently expect to live{ with God} both now and also when God makes you alive again. BSB BSB: 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.
9 UST Everyone should trust and rely on this statement, BSB BSB: This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.
10 UST since it is why we work so hard:“We confidently expect that the only real God{ will do what he has promised}. He is the one who rescues all people, but particularly those who trust in{ Jesus}.” BSB BSB: To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.
11 UST Instruct people about{ what I have told you}. Require them to do those things. BSB BSB: Command and teach these things.
12 UST Do not allow anyone to consider you to be unimportant because you are young. Instead, show other believers how to live. Show them that by how you speak, how you behave, how you love others, how you trust in{ Jesus}, and how you avoid what is evil. BSB BSB: Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 UST While I am not with you, be sure to continue reading{ the Scriptures to the believers when you meet together}, instructing{ the believers}, and urging{ them to do what is right}. BSB BSB: Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
14 UST Be sure to do what God has graciously enabled you to do. God enabled you to do that when someone spoke to you for God and the leaders of the group of believers touched you. BSB BSB: 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.
15 UST Consistently do what I have told you{ to do}! Focus on those things. That way, everyone will notice that you are{ serving Jesus} better. BSB BSB: Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
16 UST Make sure that you{ behave properly} and that what you teach{ is right}. As long as you do what I have told you{ to do}, you will rescue yourself and anyone who listens to you. So, keep doing what I have told you{ to do}. BSB BSB: 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.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.