Titus 2:7-3:15

English Standard Version

⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be ^(A)a model of good works, and in your teaching ^(B)show integrity, ^(C)dignity, ⁸ and ^(D)sound speech that cannot be condemned, ^(E)so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. ^9 (F)Bondservants^[a] are to be submissive to their own masters ^(G)in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰ not pilfering, ^(H)but showing all good faith, ^(I)so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

¹¹ For ^(J)the grace of God ^(K)has appeared, bringing salvation ^(L)for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and ^(M)worldly passions, and ^(N)to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in ^(O)the present age, ^13 (P)waiting for our blessed ^(Q)hope, the ^(R)appearing of the glory of our great ^(S)God and Savior Jesus Christ, ^14 (T)who gave himself for us to ^(U)redeem us from all lawlessness and ^(V)to purify for himself ^(W)a people for his own possession who are ^(X)zealous for good works.

¹⁵ Declare these things; exhort and ^(Y)rebuke with all authority. ^(Z)Let no one disregard you.

Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind them ^(AA)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, ^(AB)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ^2 (AC)to speak evil of no one, ^(AD)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and ^(AE)to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For ^(AF)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. ⁴ But when ^(AG)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, ^(AH)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but ^(AI)according to his own mercy, by ^(AJ)the washing of regeneration and ^(AK)renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he ^(AL)poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that ^(AM)being justified by his grace we might become ^(AN)heirs ^(AO)according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ The saying is ^(AP)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful ^(AQ)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. ⁹ But ^(AR)avoid foolish ^(AS)controversies, ^(AT)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for ^(AU)they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ As for a person who stirs up division, ^(AV)after warning him once and then twice, ^(AW)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 ^(AX)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me ^(AY)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and ^(AZ)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. ¹⁴ And let our people learn ^(BA)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not ^(BB)be unfruitful.

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

^(BC)Grace be with you all.