Study Desk

But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great,

For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it.

But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets.

Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light,

So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people.

Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

But it also applies to you: every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband.

Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ.

For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.

Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will.

The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.

My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose.

but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive.

For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him.

Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves.