From Doctrine to Practice

¹You, however, are to speak of things consistent with sound teaching.

²Elder men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance.

³Likewise, elder women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or enslaved to much wine. They are to be teachers of what is good,

⁴so that they may train the young women to be husband-lovers and children-lovers,

⁵to be self-controlled, modest, workers at home, kind, to be subject to their own husbands, so that God’s word may not be vilified.

⁶Likewise, you are to encourage the younger men to be self-controlled.

⁷In everything show yourself to be an example of excellent works. In teaching, show integrity, dignity,

⁸and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed, because they have nothing bad to say about us.

⁹Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything and to be well-pleasing, not talking back,

¹⁰not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God in all things.

¹¹For the grace of God began shining as salvation to all humanity,

¹²instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live moderately, righteously, and reverently in this present age,

¹³while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

¹⁴who gave himself for us, in order to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do excellent works.

Teach the Triune God’s Work with Authority

¹⁵You are to speak these things, encouraging and rebuking with all authority. Don’t let anyone despise you.