Study Desk

In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless.

and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ's faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ's faithfulness.

with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let those of us who are "perfect" embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.

Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they think about earthly things.

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.

And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.

For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects—bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God,

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son

I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God—given to me for you—in order to complete the word of God,