Study Desk

God was pleased for all of himself to live in the Son.

I am happy in my sufferings for you. There is much that Christ must still suffer. And I gladly accept my part of those sufferings in my body for the good of his body, the church.

This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God's holy people.

God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory.

He defeated the rulers and powers of the spiritual world. With the cross he won the victory over them and led them away, as defeated and powerless prisoners for the whole world to see.

So don't let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days).

Some people enjoy acting as if they are humble and love to worship angels. They always talk about the visions they have seen. Don't listen to them when they say you are wrong because you don't do these things. It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas.

They don't keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.

So put everything evil out of your life: sexual sin, doing anything immoral, letting sinful thoughts control you, and wanting things that are wrong. And don't keep wanting more and more for yourself, which is the same as worshiping a false god.

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.

In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master.

Remember that anyone who does wrong will be punished for that wrong. And the Lord treats everyone the same.

Never stop praying. Be ready for anything by praying and being thankful.

Also pray for us. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. I am in prison for doing this. But pray that we can continue to tell people the secret truth that God has made known about Christ.

And greetings from Jesus, the one who is also called Justus. These are the only Jewish believers who work with me for God's kingdom. They have been a great comfort to me.

Epaphras, another servant of Jesus Christ from your group, sends his greetings. He constantly struggles for you in prayer. He prays that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything that God wants for you.

I know that he has worked hard for you and the people in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

We always remember you when we pray, and we thank God for all of you.