For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who

examines our hearts.

In singleness

“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.

Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

Fearing

Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:

Again I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather,

fear God.

Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

General references

But he said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you and how your cattle have fared with me.

You know that I have served your father with all my strength.