Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints.

and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.

and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.

For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

As a result you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless.

nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others,

so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith.

to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you.

For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

They will undergo the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength,

For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way,

The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders,

And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing – and will do – what we are commanding.