Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not!

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,

For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth?

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

not like those who do their work only when someone is watching – as people-pleasers – but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days –

As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings,

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.

Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.

An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.

who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.

to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.