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The Right Way to Live

Remind the believers to ·yield to the authority of [submit/be subject to] rulers and ·government leaders [authorities], to obey them, to be ready to do ·good [whatever is good; L every good work], to ·speak no evil about anyone [slander no one], to ·live in peace [avoid fighting], and to be gentle and ·polite [considerate; courteous] to all people.

In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were ·wrong [mislead; deceived], and we were slaves to ·many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed [L various passions and pleasures]. We spent our lives doing evil and being ·jealous [envious]. People hated us, and we hated each other. But when the kindness and ·love [love of humanity] of God our Savior ·was shown [appeared; was revealed], he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of ·good deeds we did to be right with him [or righteous deeds we did]. He saved us through the washing ·that made us new people [L of new-birth/regeneration and renewal] ·through [by] the Holy Spirit. God poured out ·richly [generously; abundantly] upon us that Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior. Being [L …so that having been] ·made right with God [justified; declared righteous] by his grace, we could ·have the hope of receiving [L become heirs with the hope/expectation of] ·the life that never ends [eternal life].

This ·teaching is true [saying/word is trustworthy; 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11], and I want you to ·be sure the people understand [or insist on] these things. Then those who ·believe [trust; have faith] in God will ·be careful to use their lives for [devote themselves to; or take the lead in] doing good. These things are good and will ·help [be beneficial for] everyone.

But ·stay away from [avoid] foolish ·arguments [controversies; debates] and ·talk about useless family histories [L genealogies; 1 Tim. 1:4] and ·arguments [quarrels; disputes] and ·quarrels [fights] about the law [1:10, 14; 1 Tim. 1:3–7]. Those things are ·worth nothing [unprofitable] and ·will not help anyone [empty]. 10 After a first and second warning, ·avoid [reject; have nothing to do with] someone who ·causes arguments [is divisive; causes factions]. 11 You can know that such people are ·evil [warped; perverted; corrupt] and sinful; ·their own sins prove them wrong [L …being self-condemned].

Some Things to Remember

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus [Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12] to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis [C a city located on the west coast of Greece], because I have decided to stay there this winter. 13 ·Do all you can [Make every effort] to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos [Acts 18:24, 27; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4–6] on their journey so that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to ·use their lives for [devote themselves to; or take the lead in] doing good deeds to ·provide what is necessary [meet urgent needs] so that their lives will not be ·useless [unfruitful].

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Saved in Order to Do Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,(B) to slander no one,(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time(D) 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. But when the kindness(E) and love of God our Savior(F) appeared,(G) he saved us,(H) not because of righteous things we had done,(I) but because of his mercy.(J) He saved us through the washing(K) of rebirth and renewal(L) by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us(M) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,(N) we might become heirs(O) having the hope(P) of eternal life.(Q) This is a trustworthy saying.(R) 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.(S) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

But avoid(T) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(U) about the law,(V) because these are unprofitable and useless.(W) 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.(X) 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(Y) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.(Z) 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos(AA) on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,(AB) 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.(AC)

Grace be with you all.(AD)