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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.

Be Ready for Every Good Work

Remind them (A)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, (B)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, (C)to speak evil of no one, (D)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and (E)to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For (F)we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when (G)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, (H)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but (I)according to his own mercy, by (J)the washing of regeneration and (K)renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he (L)poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that (M)being justified by his grace we might become (N)heirs (O)according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is (P)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful (Q)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But (R)avoid foolish (S)controversies, (T)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for (U)they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, (V)after warning him once and then twice, (W)have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Greetings

12 When I send Artemas or (X)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me (Y)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and (Z)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn (AA)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not (AB)be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

(AC)Grace be with you all.