¹² So then, my beloved, ^(A)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own ^(B)salvation with ^(C)fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is ^(D)God who is at work in you, both to ^[a]desire and to work ^(E)for His good pleasure.

¹³ No one is to say when he is tempted, “^(A)I am being tempted ^[a]by God”; for God cannot be tempted ^[b]by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then ^(B)when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and ^(C)sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. ^16 (D)Do not be ^[c]deceived, ^(E)my beloved brothers and sisters.