Study Desk

He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God.

For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.

and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose.

Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all.

Indeed he was sick and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too, and spared me an even greater sorrow.

It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies.

and be completely united with him. I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith.

All of us who are spiritually mature should have this same attitude. But if some of you have a different attitude, God will make this clear to you.

They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world.

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.

Here, then, is my receipt for everything you have given me—and it has been more than enough! I have all I need now that Epaphroditus has brought me all your gifts. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God, a sacrifice which is acceptable and pleasing to him.

And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.

To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ: May God our Father give you grace and peace.

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

The gospel keeps bringing blessings and is spreading throughout the world, just as it has among you ever since the day you first heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it really is.

For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.