Heirs of Grace 1 UDB Titus, be sure to remind our people that, as much as possible, they should comply with the rules and laws that govern our society. They need to be obedient and ready to do good at every opportunity. BSB BSB: Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
2 UDB They should not say disrespectful things about anyone or argue with people. They should treat everyone gently and as more important than themselves. BSB BSB: to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
3 UDB We need to remember that there was a time when we ourselves were foolish and were not persuaded about these things. Our own passions and our desire for pleasure took us in the wrong direction, and we served them as if we were their slaves. We spent our lives envying each other and doing evil. We caused people to hate us and we hated each other. BSB BSB: For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
4 UDB But when God showed us that he was acting generously to save us because he loves us, BSB BSB: But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 UDB he saved us by washing us clean on the inside, giving us a new birth, and making us new by the Holy Spirit. He did not save us because we do good things; he saved us because he is merciful. BSB BSB: He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
6 UDB God generously gave us his Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior. BSB BSB: This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 UDB By this gift, God has declared that everything is made right between him and us. And more than that, we will share in everything that the Lord Jesus has to give us, especially living forever with him. BSB BSB: so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
8 UDB This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to continually emphasize these things so that those who have believed God may constantly devote themselves to doing those things that are good and that help others. These things are excellent and beneficial for everyone. BSB BSB: This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
Avoid Divisions (Romans 16:17–20)
9 UDB But stay away from senseless debates, controversies about lists of Jewish ancestors, and arguments and disputes about religious law. Those kinds of discussions are a waste of time and they do not help you in any way. BSB BSB: But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
10 UDB If people insist on engaging in these divisive activities after you have warned them one or two times, then have nothing more to do with them, BSB BSB: Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
11 UDB because you know that people like that have turned away from the truth; they are sinning and condemn themselves. BSB BSB: knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Remarks and Greetings 12 UDB When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at the town of Nicopolis because I have decided to stay there for the winter. BSB BSB: As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
13 UDB Do everything you can to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, along with everything that they need. BSB BSB: Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need.
14 UDB Make sure that our people learn to occupy themselves with doing good things for people who need help. If they do this, they will be living in a useful way for God. BSB BSB: And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
15 UDB Titus, all those who are with me greet you! Please greet our friends there who love us as fellow believers. May God continue to show great kindness to all of you. BSB BSB: All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.