Christian Living among Outsiders
1Remind them to be submissive Rm 13:1-7; 1Pt 2:13-14 to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness Jms 3:13 to all people.
3For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions 2Pt 1:4; 2:10 and pleasures, Jms 4:1 living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.
4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love
for mankind appeared, 1Tm 1:1; 2:3; Ti 1:3; 2:10; Jd 25
5He saved us Rm 11:14; 2Tm 1:9 —
not by works of righteousness that we had done, Eph 2:9
but according to His mercy Eph 2:4; 1Pt 1:3 —
through the washing of regeneration Jn 3:5; Eph 5:26; 1Pt 3:21
and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Rm 12:2
6He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly Jl 2:28; Ac 2:33; 10:45; Rm 5:5
through Jesus Christ our Savior
7so that, having been justified by His grace, Ac 13:43; 15:11; 1Co 8:1; Gl 1:6; 1Pt 4:10
we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Ti 1:2
8This saying is trustworthy. 1Tm 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2Tm 2:11 I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish debates, 1Tm 6:4 genealogies, 1Tm 1:4 quarrels, Rm 1:29; 13:13; 1Co 1:11; 3:3; 2Co 12:20; Gl 5:20; Php 1:15; 1Tm 6:4 and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
11knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Closing
12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, Ac 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2Tm 4:12 make every effort to come to me Lk 14:26; 2Tm 4:9 in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos Ac 18:24; 19:1; 1Co 1:12; 3:4-6,22; 4:6; 16:12 on their journey, so that they will lack Jms 2:15 nothing.
14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19; 1Co 14:14; Gl 5:22; Eph 5:11; 2Pt 1:8; Jd 12
15All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. Col 4:18; 2Th 3:16
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by Holman Bible Publishers