¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^(A)

² Do not conform^(A) to the pattern of this world,^(B) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(C) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(D)—his good, pleasing^(E) and perfect will.

¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances;^(A) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(A) we have not stopped praying for you.^(B) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(C) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^[a](D)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(A)—not as unwise but as wise,

² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(A) but rather for the will of God.

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. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

³ It is God’s will^(D) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;^(E)

⁵ Be wise^(A) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(B) make the most of every opportunity.^(C)