To an unknown God

For God didn’t give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and knowledge.

(src)

• timidity: δειλίας (deilias)
• power: δυνάμεως (dynameōs)
• love: ἀγάπης (agapēs)
• knowledge: σωφρονισμοῦ (sōphronismou)

There are various translations of σωφρονισμοῦ — wise discretion, sound mind, discipline, etc. I haven’t been able to break the Greek down yet, but for now I like “knowledge”. (Partly because “Love, Power and Knowledge” is the title of a book I like. Relevant because I’m starting to learn some of these verses.)

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(OPB:ESV)

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

(OPB)

Hold firm both to yourself and to the teaching. Persevere in them, because in doing so you shall save both yourself, and those who hear you.

(OPB)

(Cobbled the English together myself from the Greek glosses.)

1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

(OPB:NIV)

1:5 the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith; 1:6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; 1:7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.

(WEB)

I much prefer encouragements over warnings, so I warm to the first verse here. The latter two don’t especially appeal to me. I include them as they hint at the (lack of) value of learning without the right goal in mind.