Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything.

³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(A) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^(B)

⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(A) about your perseverance and faith^(B) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(C)

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(A) though now for a little while^(B) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^(C)

⁹ if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials^(A) and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.^(B)

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.^(A) In this world you will have trouble.^(B) But take heart! I have overcome^(C) the world.”

¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(A) may be built up^{(B) 13} until we all reach unity^(C) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(D) and become mature,^(E) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(F)

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(G) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(H) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^(I)