Titus 3
1Remind them to submit to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2to not slander anyone, to not be quarrelsome, to be reasonable, showing complete meekness toward all people.
3For we ourselves were also at one time senseless, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, despicable, and hating one another.
4But when the kindness and benevolence of God our Savior appeared,
5he saved us, not because of righteous works that we ourselves did, but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of a new beginning and renewal by the holy spirit,
6which he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7and as a result, since we have been declared righteous by his grace, we became heirs with the hope of life in the age to come.
8That statement is trustworthy, and I want you to strongly insist on those things, so that those who have put their trust in God will focus on applying themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable for people.
9But avoid foolish speculations and genealogies and strife and fighting about the law, because they are unprofitable and pointless.
10Have nothing to do with a divisive person after admonishing him a first and second time,
11knowing that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they lack nothing.
14Our people must also learn to apply themselves to good works to meet pressing needs, so that they are not unfruitful.
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who are our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all.