For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.

My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

In him you also were circumcised -- not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days --

He has not held fast to the head from whom the whole body, supported and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.

"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"

Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,

Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices

Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching -- like those who are strictly people-pleasers -- but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,