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¹ Remind believers[fn] to submit themselves to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do any honorable kind of work.[xr] ² They are not to insult[fn] anyone or be argumentative. Instead, they are to be gentle and show perfect courtesy to everyone.[xr] ³ After all, we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and misled. We were slaves to many kinds of lusts and pleasures, spending our days in malice and jealousy. We were despised, and we hated one another.[xr] ⁴ However,[xr] In grace our Savior God appeared, His love for mankind to make clear. ⁵ 'Twas not for deeds that we had done,[xr] But by his steadfast love[fn] alone, He saved us through a second birth, Renewed us by the Spirit's[fn] work, ⁶ And poured him out upon us, too,[xr] Through Jesus Christ our Savior true. ⁷ And so, made right by his own grace,[xr] Eternal life we now embrace.[fn] ⁸ This saying is trustworthy.[fn] I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have put their faith in God may devote themselves to good works. These things are good and helpful to other people.[xr]

⁹ But avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law. These things are useless and worthless.[xr] ¹⁰ Have nothing to do with a person who causes divisions after you have warned him once or twice.[xr] ¹¹ For you know that a person like this is corrupt and keeps on sinning, being self-condemned.[xr] ¹² As soon as I send Artemas to you, or perhaps Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.[xr] ¹³ Do all you can to send Zenas the expert in the law and Apollos on their way, and see that they have everything they need.[xr] ¹⁴ Our own people should also learn to devote themselves to good works when urgent needs arise, lest they be unproductive.[xr] ¹⁵ All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. May grace be with all of you! Amen.[fn]