Study Desk

(Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first [fn] descended into the lower parts of the earth?

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--

But you have not so learned Christ,

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

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

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [fn] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;