A threefold exhortation in a single verse calls believers never to hang back in outgoing activity for Christ, always to maintain spiritual zeal and also to live as people who are bonded to the service of Christ. Here are the applications and helps.

The immense value of 'rejoicing in hope' is here seen. This is the practice of  anticipating and expecting God's hand in our lives. We see its major place and its fruits from Paul's various references to it in Romans. Its neglect costs us much blessing.

Searching practical verses setting the tone for sanctified behaviour, reflecting the Saviour, proved by the apostle Paul, and providing a gauge of our progress and a spur to advance. What are we really like in our relationship with other people, and in adversity?

Why should hostile authorities be conscientiously obeyed by believers? Because while rulers may not know it, they are servants of God, Who in His kindness has etched into the fallen human constitution a need for government. Here is how Christ is magnified.

What form does love for others take? It is not unconditional love, or necessarily even affectionate love. 'Social' love is here defined, with hindrances and helps. Also the error of loving oneself, and the great exhortation to 'awake out of sleep' to serve Christ.

Here is, first, the walking analogy for the Christian life and its implications; then the genuineness of that walk; then the characteristics of heathen life which still press on believers today. Finally, what it means to put on Christ, how to do so, and the blessings.

Contrary to the ways of today's society the believer is called to an unselfish life. Here are the questions we should ask about any activity; Paul's personal discipline; the example of Christ in His life, and the role of the Old Testament in helping our progress.