For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,

so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you too may know about my circumstances, how I am doing.

Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer:

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they think about earthly things.

to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people,

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,

even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.

It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self.

For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

And every priest stands day after day serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again – sacrifices that can never take away sins.

Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.

And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way?