Titus 3

The Right Way to Live

1 Remind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good,

2 to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.
3 In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us, and we hated each other.4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown,5 he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit.6 God poured out richly upon us that Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior.

7 Being made right with God by his grace, we could have the hope of receiving the life that never ends.

8 This teaching is true, and I want you to be sure the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.
9 But stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone.10 After a first and second warning, avoid someone who causes arguments.

11 You can know that such people are evil and sinful; their own sins prove them wrong.

Some Things to Remember

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to stay there this winter.13 Do all you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey so that they have everything they need.

14 Our people must learn to use their lives for doing good deeds to provide what is necessary so that their lives will not be useless.

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

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