²⁰ an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

⁵ having a form of godliness^(A) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(B)

¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.^(A) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.^(B)

¹³ What you heard from me,^(A) keep^(B) as the pattern^(C) of sound teaching,^(D) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.^(E)

The Church and Its Leaders

3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit^(A) but as people who are still worldly^(B)—mere infants^(C) in Christ.

¹⁷ But thanks be to God^(A) that, though you used to be slaves to sin,^(B) you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching^(C) that has now claimed your allegiance.

² Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,^(A) so that by it you may grow up^(B) in your salvation,

¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant,^(A) is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

The Father Revealed in the Son^(A)

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father,^(B) Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.^(C)