Outline
IV. Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
V. Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
. Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
A. Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
VI. Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
VII. Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)
Titus 3 NLT
1 Remind the believers to submit to the
government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what
is good.
2 They must not slander anyone and must
avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to
everyone.
3 Once we, too, were foolish and
disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our
lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
4 But— When God our Savior revealed his
kindness and love,
5 he saved us, not because of the
righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our
sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
6 He generously poured out the Spirit
upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
7Because of his grace he declared us
righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I
want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote
themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for
everyone.
9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions
about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish
laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.
10 If people are causing divisions among
you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with
them.
11 For people like that have turned away
from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
12 I am planning to send either Artemas
or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at
Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.
13 Do everything you can to help Zenas
the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they
need.
14 Our people must learn to do good by
meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
15Everybody here sends
greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s
grace be with you all.