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Dedicated Service

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you.

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn among many believers. Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The God who encircles me with strength

And makes my way blameless?

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly and tread safely on paths of testing and trouble];

He sets me [securely] upon my high places.

Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD;

I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

The Lord GOD is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army];

He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet.

And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. But He said, “On the contrary, blessed (happy, favored by God) are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it.”

He that followeth after righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. .

Do not trust in princes,

In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation (help).

When his spirit leaves him, he returns to the earth;

In that very day his thoughts and plans perish.

How blessed and graciously favored is he whose help is the God of Jacob (Israel),

Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

Who made heaven and earth,

The sea, and all that is in them,

Who keeps truth and is faithful forever.