The Right Way to Live

3 ¹Tell the people to remember always to do these things: to be under the authority of rulers and government leaders; to obey those leaders and be ready to do good; ²to speak no evil against any person; to live in peace with other people; to be gentle to other people; and to be polite to other people. Tell the believers to do these things to all people. ³In the past we were foolish people too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to the many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. ⁴But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. ⁵He saved us because of his mercy (love)--not because of the good things we did to be right with God. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit.* ⁶God poured out (gave) to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. ⁷We were made right with God by His grace (kindness). And God gave us the Spirit so that we could receive the life that never ends. That is what we hope for. ⁸This teaching is true. And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then the people who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help all people. ⁹Stay away from people who have foolish arguments, people who talk about useless family histories, people who make trouble and fight about what the law [of Moses] teaches. Those things are worth nothing and will not help people. ¹⁰If a person causes arguments, then give him a warning. If that person continues to cause arguments, then warn him again. If he still continues causing arguments, then don't associate with him. ¹¹You know that a person like that is evil and sinful. His sins prove that he is wrong.

Some Things to Remember

¹²I will send Artemas and Tychicus to you. When I send them, try hard to come to me at Nicopolis. I have decided to stay there this winter. ¹³Zenas the lawyer and Apollos will be traveling from there. Do all that you can to help them on their trip. Be sure that they have everything they need. ¹⁴Our people must learn to use their lives for doing good things. They should do good for people who need it. Then our people will not have empty lives. ¹⁵All the people with me here say hello to you. Say hello to those people who love us in the faith. Grace (kindness) be with you all.

Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.