⁶ not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters^[a] in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^{[b](A) 23} Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans,

⁴ but, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals but to please God, who tests our hearts.^(A)

¹⁰ Am I now seeking human approval or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.^(A)

² so as to live for the rest of your time in the flesh no longer by human desires but by the will of God.^(A)

Shining as Lights in the World

¹² Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling,^(A)

¹⁷ So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.^(A)

Concerning Self-Deception

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.^(A)

²¹ make you complete in everything good^[a] so that you may do his will, as he works among us^[b] that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever.^[c] Amen.^(A)

³⁶ For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.^(A)