So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,

You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we.

Let such a person consider this: What we say by letters when we are absent, we also are in actions when we are present.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,

and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.

I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”

realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.”

The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the holy place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle was standing.

but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.