Titus 3

Christian Living among Outsiders

3Remind them to be submissive ^hto rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ²to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness ⁱto all people. ³For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions ^jand pleasures, ^kliving in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

⁴But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love

for mankind appeared, ^l

⁵He saved us ^m—

not by works of righteousness that we had done, ⁿ

but according to His mercy, ^o

through the washing of regeneration ^p

and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ^q

⁶He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly ^r

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

⁷so that having been justified by His grace, ^s

we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. ^t

⁸This saying is trustworthy. ^uI 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. ⁹But avoid foolish debates, ^vgenealogies, ^wquarrels, ^xand disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰Reject a divisive ^yperson after a first and second warning, ^z11knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Closing

¹²When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, ^amake every effort to come to me ^bin Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos ^con their journey, so that they will lack ^dnothing.

¹⁴And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. ^e15All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. ^f