3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, and to obey authorities, and to be ready for every good work; |
3:2 Not to speak evil of anyone, not to be contentious, but gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. |
3:3 For we also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving all kinds of lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. |
3:4 But when the graciousness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, |
3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we practiced, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, |
3:6 Which He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior; |
3:7 So that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. |
3:8 This is a faithful saying, and I desire you to strongly affirm all these things, so that those who have believed God may apply themselves to doing good works. These things are good and profitable for men. |
3:9 But avoid foolish questions and genealogies, and debates and quarrels about law, for they are unprofitable and vain. |
3:10 After the first and second admonition, reject a man who is teaching heresy, |
3:11 Knowing that such a person has been subverted and is sinning, being condemned by his own words. |
3:12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to spend the winter there. |
3:13 Be diligent to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos for their journey, so that they may lack nothing. |
3:14 And let our brethren also learn to devote themselves to good works for services that are needed, so that they may not be unfruitful. |
3:15 All of those with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. Amen. |