far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us,

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.

So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,

But what does “He ascended” mean except that He descended to the lower parts of the earth?

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ.

But that is not how you learned about the Messiah,

No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints.

Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—

Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—

So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:

He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.

For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.

For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.