Since we’re receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s be thankful, and let’s worship God in a way that pleases him. Let’s worship him with deep respect and wonder,
You’re also like living stones. As you come to Christ, you’re being built into a house for worship. There you will be holy priests and offer spiritual sacrifices that God will accept because of what Jesus Christ has done.
You call on a Father who judges each person’s work without favoring one person over another. So live with the highest respect for God during your time as outsiders here.
Lord, who won’t show you respect and bring glory to your name? You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, because they’ll see that the things you do are right.”
But if a person is punished for doing wrong and they take it patiently, they don’t deserve any special praise. But if you do suffer for doing good and you put up with it, God will praise you for that.
“Then the King will speak to those on his right and say, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take what is yours. Receive the kingdom that has been prepared for you since the world was created.
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, with loud cries and tears he prayed to and pleaded with the God who could save him from death, and God listened to him because of his reverence.
I’ve already received my full pay, and I have more than enough. I have everything I need, now that Epaphroditus has brought me the gifts you sent. They’re a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice that God accepts and that makes him happy.
supply you with everything good so that you can do his will. May he create in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ. And may Jesus receive glory for ever and ever. Amen.