¹³ No longer present your members to sin as instruments^[a] of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments^[b] of righteousness.^(A)

¹⁶ Do you not know that, if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?^(A)

¹⁹ I am speaking in human terms because of your limitations.^[a] For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and lawlessness, leading to even more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification.^(A)

Paul Defends His Ministry

10 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you but bold toward you when I am away!^(A)—

² I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards.^[a](A)

⁵ like living stones let yourselves be built^[a] into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.^(A)