Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

How salvation is worked out

¹² So, my dear people: you always did what I said, so please now carry on in the same way, not just as though I was there with you, but much more because I’m not! Your task now is to work at bringing about your own salvation; and naturally you’ll be taking this with utter seriousness. ¹³ After all, God himself is the one who’s at work among you, who provides both the will and the energy to enable you to do what pleases him.

¹⁴ There must be no grumbling and disputing in anything you do. ¹⁵ That way, nobody will be able to fault you, and you’ll be pure and spotless children of God in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation. You are to shine among them like lights in the world, ¹⁶ clinging on to the word of life. That’s what I will be proud of on the day of the Messiah. It will prove that I didn’t run a useless race, or work to no purpose.

¹⁷ Yes: even if I am to be poured out like a drink-offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I shall celebrate, and celebrate jointly with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you should celebrate, yes, and celebrate with me.