Study Desk

Since you died with Christ^(ap) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(aq) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^(ar)

"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?

These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(as) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^(at)

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(au) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(a) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^(b)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^(c)

For you died,^(d) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is your^[a] life,^(e) appears,^(f) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(g)

Put to death,^(h) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:⁽ⁱ⁾ sexual immorality,^(j) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(k) which is idolatry.^(l)

Because of these, the wrath of God^(m) is coming.^[b]

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.⁽ⁿ⁾

But now you must also rid yourselves^(o) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(p) and filthy language from your lips.^(q)

Do not lie to each other,^(r) since you have taken off your old self^(s) with its practices

and have put on the new self,^(t) which is being renewed^(u) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^(v)

Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(w) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(x) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(y) but Christ is all,^(z) and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(aa) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(ab) gentleness and patience.^(ac)

Bear with each other^(ad) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^(ae)

And over all these virtues put on love,^(af) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(ag)

Let the peace of Christ^(ah) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(ai) you were called to peace.^(aj) And be thankful.

Let the message of Christ^(ak) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(al) through psalms,^(am) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(an)

And whatever you do,^(ao) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(ap) to God the Father through him.