Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(A) of the living God,^(B) the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(C) from which true godliness^(D) springs is great:

4 The Spirit^(H) clearly says that in later times^(I) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(J) and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^{(K) 3} They forbid people to marry^(L) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(M) which God created^(N) to be received with thanksgiving^(O) by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good,^(P) and nothing is to be rejected^(Q) if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God^(R) and prayer.