Study Desk

For, if by their putting away, the rest of men have been made friends with God, what will their coming back again be, but life from the dead?

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, an olive-tree of the fields, were put in among them, and were given a part with them in the root by which the olive-tree is made fertile,

Do not be uplifted in pride over the branches: because it is not you who are the support of the root, but it is by the root that you are supported.

Truly, because they had no faith they were broken off, and you have your place by reason of your faith. Do not be lifted up in pride, but have fear;

See then that God is good but his rules are fixed: to those who were put away he was hard, but to you he has been good, on the condition that you keep in his mercy; if not, you will be cut off as they were.

As far as the good news is in question, they are cut off from God on account of you, but as far as the selection is in question, they are loved on account of the fathers.

For as you, in time past, were not under the rule of God, but now have got mercy through their turning away,

And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.

But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith.

For, as we have a number of parts in one body, but all the parts have not the same use,

Be not slow in your work, but be quick in spirit, as the Lord's servants;

Be in harmony with one another. Do not have a high opinion of yourselves, but be in agreement with common people. Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom.

Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord.

But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.

Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.

For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise;

For he is the servant of God to you for good. But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer.

So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.

Be in debt for nothing, but to have love for one another: for he who has love for his neighbour has kept all the law.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not give thought to the flesh to do its desires.