Christians should be like lights in the world
12 So, my friends, you must continue to obey. When I was with you, you always obeyed. Now that I am not with you, that is even more important. God has saved you. You must always live in a way which shows that this is true. Respect God and remember his great power. 13 It is God himself who is working in you. Now you want to obey him, and he makes you able to do that. You do the things that make God very happy.
14 Whatever you are doing, do not complain. And do not argue. 15 Then you will not be guilty of anything that is wrong. You will be clean inside yourselves. You will be living in a completely good way, as God's children should. In this world, you are living among bad people who have turned away from what is good. But you must bring light into this dark place, like stars that shine in the night. 16 Tell people the true message that can give them life with God. Then I will know that my work among you has had good results. Because of that, I will be very happy on the day when Christ returns.
2:15In the Bible, when people do not know the truth about God, it is like they are living in a dark place. God gives light so that people know the truth.
17 You believe in Christ, and you are his servants. That is like you are offering yourselves as a sacrifice to God. Perhaps I will soon have to die. Then my blood would be like a drink offering that I am pouring on your sacrifice to please God. So, if I have to die now, I will be happy. And we should all be happy together. 18 Yes, it is right that you should be happy, and I will also be happy with you.
