Dual PanelThe Right Way to Live
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 and polite 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 any good things we did. 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). God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends.
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.
Final Instructions and Greetings
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.