Study Desk

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.

that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.

So please don't lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.

They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.

And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.