Doing God’s Will

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to me. It teaches me to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age, while I wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of my great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for me to redeem me from all wickedness, and to purify me for himself, to be his very own, eager to do what is good. But if I do sin, I have one who speaks to the Father in my defence, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for my sins, and not only for mine but also for the sins of the whole world.

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help me when I am tempted. Therefore, since I have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, I hold firmly to the faith I profess. For I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with my weaknesses, but I have one who has been tempted in every way, just as I am - yet was without sin. I therefore approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.

I cast all my anxiety on him because he cares for me. If I confess my sins he is faithful and just to forgive me my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness.

Since I have been raised with Christ, I set my heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. I set my mind on things above, not on earthy things. I died to sin; how can I live in it any longer?

And whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever I do, I work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since I know that I will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ I am serving. If I obey his word, God's love is truly made complete in me.

The God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead my Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equips me with everything for doing his will. And he works in me what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Titus 2:11-14; l John 2:1-2; Heb. 2:18; Heb 4:14-16; 1 Pet. 5:7; l John 1:9; Col. 3:1-2, Col 3:17, Col 23:4; 1 John 2:5; Heb. 13:20