More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there.

For it is when the Lord thinks well of us that we are really approved, and not when we think well of ourselves.

Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord.

Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.

For the sake of the Lord submit yourselves to every human authority: to the Emperor, who is the supreme authority,

Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

For God will reward each of us according to what we have done.

Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.