⁹ So we make it our goal to please him,^(A) whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy^(A) of the Lord and please him^(B) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(C)

¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.^(A)

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless^(A) and at peace with him.

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^(A) who is the Savior of all people,^(B) and especially of those who believe.

¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(A) just as we told you,

⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;^(A) it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.^(B)”

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(A) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^{(B) 11} and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom^(C) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.^(D)

Living to Please God

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(A) we instructed you how to live^(B) in order to please God,^(C) as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,^(A) because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.^(B)