Titus 3

1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2to slander no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all meekness toward all people.

3For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, being led astray, enslaved to various desires and pleasures, spending our lives in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4But when the kindness and love for humanity of God our Savior appeared,

5not from works done in righteousness, which we ourselves did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus the Messiah our Savior,

7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8This saying is trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and beneficial for people.

9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.

10Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning,

11knowing that such a person is warped and is sinning, being self-condemned.

12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, so that they may lack nothing.

14And let our people also learn to engage in good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.

15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with all of you.