since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.

and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.

My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death,

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

And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.

He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

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

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory.

because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely.

We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.

Do not extinguish the Spirit.

With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.