3:1 Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.
3:2 They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.
3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.
3:4 But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared,
3:5 not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,
3:6 whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior,
3:7 so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
3:8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these points, that those who have believed in God be careful to devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and beneficial to others.
3:9 Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile.
3:10 After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic,
3:11 realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned.
3:12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, try to join me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.
3:13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need.
3:14 But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
3:15 All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
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