3:1 Remind them to subject themselves to rulers, to authorities, to show obedience, to show readiness for every good deed, |
3:2 to malign no one, to behave peaceably, gently, showing every consideration for all men. |
3:3 For we also once demonstrated foolishness in ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. |
3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, |
3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
3:6 which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, |
3:7 so that receiving justification by His grace we would become made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. |
3:8 I make a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will carefully engage in good deeds. These things prove good and profitable for men. |
3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they prove unprofitable and worthless. |
3:10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, |
3:11 knowing that such a man has become perverted and has sinned condemning himself. |
3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. |
3:13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that they lack nothing. |
3:14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not become unfruitful. |
3:15 15All who dwell with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. May grace abound with you all. |