⁷ in all things showing yourself to be ^(A)a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, ^(B)incorruptibility,^[a]

³ nor as ^(A)being ^[a]lords over ^(B)those entrusted to you, but ^(C)being examples to the flock;

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one ^[a]despise your youth, but be an ^(A)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ^[b]in spirit, in faith, in purity.

² But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor ^[a]handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth ^(A)commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

⁹ not because we do not have ^(A)authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

²⁴ Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Paul’s Sincerity

¹² For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in ^[a]simplicity and ^(A)godly sincerity, ^(B)not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

¹⁷ For we are not, as ^[a]so many, ^(A)peddling^[b] the word of God; but as ^(B)of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Christ Our Pattern

^8 (A)I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.