MSB TIT Chapter 3

Heirs of Grace

3 Remind [the believers] to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient [and] ready for every good work, 2 to malign no one, [and] to be peaceable [and] gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

3 For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, [and] enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated [and] hating one another.

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and [His] love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not by [the] righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through [the] washing of new birth[fn] and renewal by [the] Holy Spirit. 6 [ This is the Spirit ] He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by [His] grace, we would become heirs with [the] hope of eternal life. 8 [This] saying [is] trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.

Avoid Divisions

(Romans 16:17–20)

9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about [the] law, because [these things] are pointless and worthless.

10 Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Remarks and Greetings

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. 14 And our [people] must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet [the] pressing needs [of others], so that they will not be unfruitful.

15 All who [are] with me send you greetings.

Greet those who love us in [the] faith.

Grace [be] with all of you. Amen.[fn]