Living in a Way That Pleases God

1 “Take care, brothers and sisters, that His benefits, which are many, do not turn into judgment for all of us, if we do not walk worthily of Him and do what is good and pleasing in His sight in harmony.” 2 For He says somewhere, “The Spirit of the Lord is a lamp searching the inner chambers of the belly.”⁠a 3 Let us see how near He is, and that none of our thoughts or the plans we make escapes Him. 4 It is right, therefore, that we should not desert His will. 5 Let us offend foolish and senseless men who exalt themselves and boast in the arrogance of their words, rather than God. 6 Let us fear the Lord Jesus, whose blood was given for us. Let us respect our rulers; let us honor our elders; let us instruct our young men in the lesson of the fear of God. Let us guide our women toward what is good.⁠b 7 let them display their lovely disposition of purity; let them prove their sincere affection of gentleness; let them make the moderation of their tongue evident through their silence; let them show their love, not in partisan preferences but without partiality toward all who fear God, in holiness. Let our children share in the instruction that is in Christ. 8 let them learn how humility prevails with God, what power chaste love has with God, how the fear of Him is good and great and saves all who walk in it with a pure mind in holiness. 9 For He is the searcher of thoughts and desires; His breath is in us, and when He wills, He will take it away.