⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be ^(A)a model of good works, and in your teaching ^(B)show integrity, ^(C)dignity,

³ not ^(A)domineering over those in your charge, but ^(B)being examples to the flock.

^12 (A)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(B)an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

² But we have renounced ^(A)disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice^[a] cunning or ^(B)to tamper with God's word, but ^(C)by the open statement of the truth ^(D)we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, ^(A)and so be pure and blameless ^(B)for the day of Christ,

⁹ It was ^(A)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves ^(B)an example to imitate.

²⁴ Grace be with all who ^(A)love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Paul's Change of Plans

¹² For our boast is this, ^(A)the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity^[a] and ^(B)godly sincerity, ^(C)not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

¹⁷ For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

^8 (A)I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.