¹⁷ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,^(A) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.^(B)

² I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit^(A) by the works of the law,^(B) or by believing what you heard?^(C)

⁵ So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles^(A) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?^(B)

¹³ And we also thank God continually^(A) because, when you received the word of God,^(B) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(A) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(B) through psalms,^(C) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(D)

²⁴ “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.^(A)

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel,^(A) because it is the power of God^(B) that brings salvation to everyone who believes:^(C) first to the Jew,^(D) then to the Gentile.^(E)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you^(E) to this through our gospel,^(F) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(A) through the word of truth,^(B) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(C) of all he created.

Listening and Doing

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters,^(D) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(E) and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger^(F) does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of^(G) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(H) which can save you.