Titus 2:9-3:15

New International Version

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,^(A) to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior^(B) attractive.^(C)

¹¹ For the grace^(D) of God has appeared^(E) that offers salvation to all people.^{(F) 12} It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(G) and to live self-controlled,^(H) upright and godly lives^(I) in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing^(J) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,^{(K) 14} who gave himself for us^(L) to redeem us from all wickedness^(M) and to purify^(N) for himself a people that are his very own,^(O) eager to do what is good.^(P)

¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(Q) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(R) 2} to slander no one,^(S) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(T) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(U) and love of God our Savior^(V) appeared,^{(W) 5} he saved us,^(X) not because of righteous things we had done,^(Y) but because of his mercy.^(Z) He saved us through the washing^(AA) of rebirth and renewal^(AB) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(AC) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(AD) we might become heirs^(AE) having the hope^(AF) of eternal life.^{(AG) 8} This is a trustworthy saying.^(AH) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(AI) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁹ But avoid^(AJ) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^(AK) about the law,^(AL) because these are unprofitable and useless.^{(AM) 10} Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.^{(AN) 11} You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus^(AO) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.^{(AP) 13} Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^(AQ) on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(AR) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.^(AS)

Grace be with you all.^(AT)