Qualities of a Sound Church

2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, ahomemakers, good, bobedient to their own husbands, cthat the word of God may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be da pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, eincorruptibility, 8 1sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of 2you.

9 Exhort fbondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not 3pilfering, but showing all good 4fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For gthe grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 hlooking for the blessed ihope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 jwho gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed kand purify for Himself lHis own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, mexhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Graces of the Heirs of Grace

3 Remind them ato be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, bto be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For cwe ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when dthe kindness and the love of eGod our Savior toward man appeared, 5 fnot by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through gthe washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 hwhom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace iwe should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 jThis is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Avoid Dissension

9 But kavoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 lReject a divisive man after the first and second 1admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Final Messages

12 When I send Artemas to you, or mTychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and nApollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.