By professing it, some have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person – who can find?

They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

Amos replied to Amaziah, “I was not a prophet by profession. No, I was a herdsman who also took care of sycamore fig trees.

You were complacent in your evil deeds; you thought, ‘No one sees me.’ Your self-professed wisdom and knowledge lead you astray, when you say, ‘I am unique! No one can compare to me!’

So tell them: ‘This is a nation that has not obeyed the Lord their God and has not accepted correction. Faithfulness is nowhere to be found in it. These people do not even profess it anymore.

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.

Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

“Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess,

Amaziah then said to Amos, “Leave, you visionary! Run away to the land of Judah! Earn your living and prophesy there!

and Jason has welcomed them as guests! They are all acting against Caesar’s decrees, saying there is another king named Jesus!”

I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate,

Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.