12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now 

much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is 

God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything 

without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God 

without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the 

sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ 

that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the 

sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too 

should be glad and rejoice with me.