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in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,
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To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
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Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
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Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
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He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
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One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
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This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith
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To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
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Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
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Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
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Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
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In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
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Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,
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and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
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It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
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who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
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Saved in Order to Do Good
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
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At one time 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.
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This is a trustworthy saying. 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. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
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Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
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Final Remarks
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
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Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
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Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
