Study Desk

For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.

For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!