Now this is what I am saying, brothers and sisters: ¹  Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

I had no relief in my spirit, ¹  because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-bye to them ²  and set out ³  for Macedonia.

Brothers and sisters, ¹  I offer an example from everyday life: ²  When a covenant ³  has been ratified, ⁴  even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls ¹  “Abba! ²  Father!”

Now, brothers and sisters, ¹  if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? ²  In that case the offense of the cross ³  has been removed. ⁴ 

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, ¹  that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: ² 

Finally, my brothers and sisters, ¹  rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters ¹  in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ² 

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, ¹  to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Therefore, brothers and sisters, ¹  stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. ² 

Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters, ¹  that the Lord’s message ²  may spread quickly and be honored ³  as in fact it was among you,

O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid ¹  the profane chatter and absurdities ²  of so-called “knowledge.” ³ 

To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior!

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions ¹  with the oil of rejoicing.” ² 

See to it, ¹  brothers and sisters, ²  that none of you has ³  an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes ⁴  the living God. ⁵ 

For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, ¹ 

Endure your suffering ¹  as discipline; ²  God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, ¹  because you know that we will be judged more strictly. ² 

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, ¹  take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name.