But there is little hope for you ever doing good, you who are so accustomed to doing evil. Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard remove its spots?

because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes the living God.

Which

They do all their deeds to be seen by people, for they make their phylacteries wide and their tassels long.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity,

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.

And

Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, says, 'I really did say that your house and your ancestor's house would serve me forever.' But now the Lord says, 'May it never be! For I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed!

The Lord told my father David, 'It is right for you to have a strong desire to build a temple to honor me.

His master answered, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.'

And the king said to him, 'Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities.'

eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality,

So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God.

For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends.

My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold -- gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away -- and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

General references

Now the Jewish religious leaders refused to believe that he had really been blind and had gained his sight until at last they summoned the parents of the man who had become able to see.

concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;

saying, "Give me this power too, so that everyone I place my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit."