Study Desk

People who lived in other times were not told that secret. But now, through the Spirit, God has shown that secret to his holy apostles and prophets.

I am the least important of all God's people, but God gave me this gift—to tell those who are not Jews the Good News about the riches of Christ, which are too great to understand fully.

Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.

But what you learned in Christ was not like this.

But you were taught to be made new in your hearts,

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.

But there must be no sexual sin among you, or any kind of evil or greed. Those things are not right for God's holy people.

In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light.

Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness, which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong.

But the light makes all things easy to see,

So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely.

So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do.

Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit.

No one ever hates his own body, but feeds and takes care of it. And that is what Christ does for the church,

But each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and a wife must respect her husband.

Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord.

Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.

It is true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous and ambitious, but others preach about Christ because they want to help.

But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for me in prison.

But it doesn't matter. The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy.