Study Desk

But they should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. That is more appropriate for women who say they are devoted to God.

They must follow the true faith that God has now made known to us and always do what they know is right.

so that, even if I cannot come soon, you will know how people should live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God. And God's church is the support and foundation of the truth.

They say that it is wrong to marry. And they say that there are some foods that people must not eat. But God made these foods, and those who believe and who understand the truth can eat them with thanks.

Everything that God made is good. Nothing he made should be refused if it is accepted with thanks to him.

People tell silly stories that don't agree with God's truth. Don't follow what these stories teach. But teach yourself to be devoted to God.

Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too.

We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, the first thing they need to learn is this: to show their devotion to God by taking care of their own family. They will be repaying their parents, and this pleases God.

A widow who really needs help is one who has been left all alone. She trusts God to take care of her. She prays all the time, night and day, and asks God for help.

Everyone should take care of all their own people. Most important, they should take care of their own family. If they do not do that, then they do not accept what we believe. They are worse than someone who does not even believe in God.

Before God and Jesus Christ and the chosen angels, I tell you to make these judgments without any prejudice. Treat every person the same.

Some people will teach what is false and will not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will not accept the teaching that produces a life of devotion to God.

They are always making trouble, because they are people whose thinking has been confused. They have lost their understanding of the truth. They think that devotion to God is a way to get rich.

Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have.

But you belong to God. So you should stay away from all those things. Always try to do what is right, to be devoted to God, and to have faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Before God and Christ Jesus I give you a command. Jesus is the one who confessed that same wonderful truth when he stood before Pontius Pilate. And God is the one who gives life to everything. Now I tell you this:

God will make that happen at the right time. God is the blessed and only Ruler. He is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.

God is the only one who never dies. He lives in light so bright that people cannot go near it. No one has ever seen him; no one is able to see him. All honor and power belong to him forever. Amen.

Give this command to those who are rich with the things of this world. Tell them not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not their money. Money cannot be trusted, but God takes care of us richly. He gives us everything to enjoy.