¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God^(A) are the children of God.^(B)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.^{(A) 19} For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God^(B) to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,^(C) in hope ²¹ that^[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay^(D) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.^(E)

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning^(F) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(A) a royal priesthood,^(B) a holy nation,^(C) God’s special possession,^(D) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^{(E) 10} Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;^(F) once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

¹⁴ This is why it is said:

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(D)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(E) because the days are evil.^{(F) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^(G)