Titus 3

Saved in Order to Do Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^a to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^b to slander no one,^c to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time^d we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness^e and love of God our Savior^f appeared,^g he saved us,^h not because of righteous things we had done,ⁱ but because of his mercy.^j He saved us through the washing^k of rebirth and renewal^l by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us^m generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,ⁿ we might become heirs^o having the hope^p of eternal life.^q This is a trustworthy saying.^r And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^s These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

But avoid^t foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^u about the law,^v because these are unprofitable and useless.^w Warn divisive people once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.^x You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus^a to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.^b Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^c on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^d in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.^e

Grace be with you all.^f