12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run^(A) with perseverance^(B) the race marked out for us,

⁶ For we know that our old self^(A) was crucified with him^(B) so that the body ruled by sin^(C) might be done away with,^[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin^(D)— ⁷ because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.^(E)

⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.^{(F) 9} For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead,^(G) he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.^{(H) 10} The death he died, he died to sin^(I) once for all;^(J) but the life he lives, he lives to God.

¹¹ In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin^(K) but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹² Therefore do not let sin reign^(L) in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³ Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,^(M) but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.^{(N) 14} For sin shall no longer be your master,^(O) because you are not under the law,^(P) but under grace.^(Q)

¹⁸ You have been set free from sin^(A) and have become slaves to righteousness.^(B)

⁸ If we claim to be without sin,^(A) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.^{(B) 9} If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins^(C) and purify us from all unrighteousness.^{(D) 10} If we claim we have not sinned,^(E) we make him out to be a liar^(F) and his word is not in us.^(G)

2 My dear children,^(A) I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate^(B) with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,^(C) and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.^(D)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(A)