Study Desk

The secret which has been kept from all times and generations, but has now been made clear to his saints,

And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly.

Having put an end to the handwriting of the law which was against us, taking it out of the way by nailing it to his cross;

Let no man take your reward from you by consciously making little of himself and giving worship to angels; having his thoughts fixed on the things which he has seen, being foolishly lifted up in his natural mind,

Because of which the wrath of God comes on those who go against his orders;

Do not make false statements to one another; because you have put away the old man with all his doings,

And have put on the new man, which has become new in knowledge after the image of his maker;

Being gentle to one another and having forgiveness for one another, if anyone has done wrong to his brother, even as the Lord had forgiveness for you:

Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him),

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love, ever taking thought for you in his prayers, that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God.

Waiting for his Son from heaven, who came back from the dead, even Jesus, our Saviour from the wrath to come.

Even as you saw how, like a father with his children, we were teaching and comforting you all, and giving witness,

So that your lives might be pleasing to God, who has given you a part in his kingdom and his glory.

For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not even you, before our Lord Jesus, at his coming?

So that your hearts may be strong and free from all sin before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

So that every one of you may keep his body holy and in honour;

And that no man may make attempts to get the better of his brother in business: for the Lord is the judge in all these things, as we said to you before and gave witness.

Whoever, then, goes against this word, goes against not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Who was put to death for us, so that, awake or sleeping, we may have a part in his life.

God, by whom you have been marked out in his purpose, is unchanging and will make it complete.