nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith.

But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately,

realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.

But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,

even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil's trap.

For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.

Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.

And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.

If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.

If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.