Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

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

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

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

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,

I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate,

And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.

And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.”

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes the living God.

For every high priest is taken from among the people and appointed to represent them before God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son.

By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.

By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace.

If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”?

You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed – not by perishable things like silver or gold,

For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.