Titus 3

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, [a] 2 to blaspheme no one, to be not quarrelsome, fair, showing all gentleness toward all people. [b]

3 For we too were once unthinking, disobedient, led astray, serving as slaves to desires and various pleasures, living in evil and envy, hateful, hating one another. [c] 4 But when the kindness and the love for people of God our rescuer appeared, [d] 5 not out of works in righteousness that we ourselves did, but according to his mercy, he rescued us — through a washing of rebirth and renewing of the Holy Spirit, [e] 6 which he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our rescuer, 7 so that, having been set right by his favor, we might become heirs according to a hope of everlasting life. [g]

8 The word is faithful, and about these things I want you to insist, so that those who have put their trust in God may take thought to stand in front of good works. These things are good and useful for people. [h] 9 But keep clear of foolish debates and family lines and quarrels and fights about the law, for they are useless and empty. [i] 10 A person who makes a sect, after a first and a second warning, refuse, [j] † 11 knowing that such a one has been turned inside out and is sinning, being self-condemned. [k]

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be eager to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there. [l] 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way with eagerness, so that nothing may be lacking to them. [m] 14 And let our own people also learn to stand in front of good works for the pressing needs, so that they may not be unfruitful. [n] 15 All those with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Favor be with all of you. [o]