it is not from works, so that no one can boast.

But you did not learn about Christ like this,

I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers.

Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.

Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people,

For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;

far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Masters, treat your slaves the same way, giving up the use of threats, because you know that both you and they have the same master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.