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For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
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But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
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not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
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whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
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that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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This 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.
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But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
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Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
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knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
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When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
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Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.
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And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
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All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.