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,

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.

Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith

But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.

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.

he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,

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.

You know that such a person is twisted by sin and is conscious of it himself.

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