Study Desk

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.

But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.

For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.

For see what this very thing, this sadness as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, what punishment! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

So then, even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong, or on account of the one who was wronged, but to reveal to you your eagerness on our behalf before God.

Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you,

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow.

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.

Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.

And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments

and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.

But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you.