From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God's chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness,

For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God's work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain.

He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.

to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.

and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don't let anyone look down on you.

And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life."

This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.

Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.