But no matter what happens, live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you, I’ll know that you’re standing firm together in the one Spirit and that you’re fighting together as a unit to defend the good news.
People who don’t believe might accuse you of doing wrong. But lead such good lives among them that they’ll see your good deeds and give glory to God on the day Jesus returns.
as you look forward to the day of God and help it come more quickly. On that day fire will destroy the heavens, and the elements will melt in the heat.
If anyone among you is wise and understanding, they should show it by living a good life and doing things with the humility that comes from being wise.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re a young person. Instead, set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live, how you love, and in what you believe. Show the believers how to be pure.
Without question, true godliness comes from this great mystery: Jesus came as a human being, and he was declared right with God by the Holy Spirit. He was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.
because our good news didn’t just come to you through our words. It came with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with great confidence. You know what we went through for your sake when we were with you.
With God’s help, we’ve acted toward everyone, and especially toward you, honorably and honestly. We can say that with pride and a clear conscience. We’ve depended on God’s grace and not on the world’s wisdom.
When you do these things, keep in mind the times we’re living in. The time has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. The full effects of our salvation are closer now than when we first believed in Christ.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be seen for what they really are.