far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And he put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things for the church,

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ.

and might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, by which he put to death the hostility.

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

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, into Christ,

But you did not learn Christ in this way,

You were taught, with regard to your former manner of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful lusts;

and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but rather must labor, doing useful work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need.

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up according to the need of the moment, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather let there be thanksgiving.

for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them.

But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Be careful, then, how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise,

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

This is a profound mystery; but I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

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

not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,