You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we.

But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you.

Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

Have you been thinking all this time that we have been defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up.

in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

But the scripture imprisoned everything and everyone under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ – to those who believe.

But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.

In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands –

For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility,

and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

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.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

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.

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.