² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(A) but rather for the will of God.

⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(A) doing the will of God from your heart.

²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will,^(A) and may he work in us^(B) what is pleasing to him,^(C) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(D)

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(A) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(B) who does not change^(C) like shifting shadows.

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

³ His divine power^(A) has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him^(B) who called us^(C) by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,^(D) so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,^(E) having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.^(F)

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;^{(G) 6} and to knowledge, self-control;^(H) and to self-control, perseverance;^(I) and to perseverance, godliness;^{(J) 7} and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.^{(K) 8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive^(L) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(M)