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

Conduct Toward Those Outside the Church

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers ands authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.2 They must not slandert anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another.4 t But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us in full measuret through Jesus Christ our Savior.

7 And so,t since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”t

Summary of the Letter

8 This sayings is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths,t so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies,t quarrels, and fights about the law,s because they are useless and empty.10 Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings.

11 You knowt that such a person is twisted by sint and is conscious of it himself.t

Final Instructions and Greeting

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.13 Make every effort to helpt Zenas the lawyert and Apollos on their way; make sure they have what they need.t14 Here is another way that our peoplet can learnt to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.

15 Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in the faith.t Grace be with you all.s