⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(A) you are God’s field,^(B) God’s building.^(C)

¹⁰ By the grace God has given me,^(D) I laid a foundation^(E) as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^{(F) 12} If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is,^(G) because the Day^(H) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.^{(I) 14} If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.^{(J) 15} If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.^(K)

¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple^(L) and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?^{(M) 17} If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,^(A) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(B) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform^(C) to the pattern of this world,^(D) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(E) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(F)—his good, pleasing^(G) and perfect will.

¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.^[a](B)

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples^(A) of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;^(B)