Christian Living among Outsiders

3 Remind them to be submissive h 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 gentleness i to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions j and pleasures, k living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

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

for mankind appeared, l

5 He 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

6 He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly r

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

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

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

8 This saying is trustworthy. u 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, v genealogies, w quarrels, x and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive y person after a first and second warning, z 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Closing

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, a make every effort to come to me b in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos c on their journey, so that they will lack d nothing.

14 And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. e 15 All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. f