4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,3:4 1Tm 1:1; 2:3; Ti 1:3; 2:10; Jd 25

5he saved us3:5 Rm 11:14; 2Tm 1:9 —not by works of righteousness that we had done,3:5 Eph 2:9 but according to his mercy3:5 Eph 2:4; 1Pt 1:3 — through the washing of regeneration3:5 Jn 3:5; Eph 5:26; 1Pt 3:21 and renewal by the Holy Spirit.3:5 Rm 12:2

6He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly3:6 Jl 2:28; Ac 2:33; 10:45; Rm 5:5 through Jesus Christ our Savior

7so that, having been justified by his grace,3:7 Ac 13:43; 15:11; 1Co 8:1; Gl 1:6; 1Pt 4:10 we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.3:7 Ti 1:2

8This saying is trustworthy.3:8 1Tm 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2Tm 2:11 I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.

9But avoid foolish debates,3:9 1Tm 6:4 genealogies,3:9 1Tm 1:4 quarrels,3:9 Rm 1:29; 13:13; 1Co 1:11; 3:3; 2Co 12:20; Gl 5:20; Php 1:15; 1Tm 6:4 and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.

10Reject a divisive3:10 1Tm 1:9 person after a first and second warning.3:10 Mt 18:15; 2Th 3:15

11For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

14Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.3:14 Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19; 1Co 14:14; Gl 5:22; Eph 5:11; 2Pt 1:8; Jd 12

15All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.3:15 Col 4:18; 2Th 3:16