²⁰ That is true. They were broken off on account of unbelief,^[a] but you stand on account of belief.^[b] So do not become arrogant, but be afraid.^(A)

¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;^[a] do not claim to be wiser than you are.^(A)

²⁴ I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy because you stand firm in faith.^(A)

¹² So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.

¹⁷ If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s work, live in fear during the time of your exile.^(A)

¹⁷ As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^(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)

¹² Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

³ unfeeling, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good,^{(A) 4} treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,^{(B) 5} holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!

⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.^(A)