CHRISTIAN LIVING AMONG OUTSIDERS

3 Remind them to submita to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentlenessb to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passionsc and pleasures,d living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,e 5 he saved usf—not by works of righteousness that we had done,g but according to his mercyh—through the washing of regenerationi and renewal by the Holy Spirit.j 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantlyk through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace,l we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.m 8 This saying is trustworthy.n I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates,o genealogies,p quarrels,q and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisiver person after a first and second warning.s 11 For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS AND CLOSING

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you,t make every effort to come to meu in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollosv on their journey, so that they will lackw nothing.

14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.x 15 All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.y