Titus 3
He Put Our Lives Together
1-2 Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous.
3-8 It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
9-11 I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. It's obvious that such a person is out of line, rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself off.
12-13 As soon as I send either Artemas or Tychicus to you, come immediately and meet me in Nicopolis. I've decided to spend the winter there. Give Zenas the lawyer and Apollos a hearty send-off. Take good care of them.
14 Our people have to learn to be diligent in their work so that all necessities are met (especially among the needy) and they don't end up with nothing to show for their lives.
15 All here want to be remembered to you. Say hello to our friends in the faith. Grace to all of you.
Titus 3
1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,2 to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.3 For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.8 Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:9 but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about law; for they are unprofitable and vain.10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse;11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.13 Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.15 All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.