Then we, your people, the sheep of your flock, will thank you forever and praise you for all time to come.

Because of this, many of Jesus' followers turned back and would not go with him any more.

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.

My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them."

We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.

Make us strong again, and we, your people, will praise you.

I lie defeated in the dust; revive me, as you have promised.

Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised.

I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous.

My sufferings, LORD, are terrible indeed; keep me alive, as you have promised.

Defend my cause, and set me free; save me, as you have promised.

But your compassion, LORD, is great; show your mercy and save me!

Take me with you, and we'll run away; be my king and take me to your room. We will be happy together, drink deep, and lose ourselves in love. No wonder all women love you!

So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation,

because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose.

In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins.

Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger.

that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.