Study Desk

But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth?

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.

But that is not how you came to know Christ,

No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints.

Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light—

Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise—

So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:

He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.

For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will.

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.