For this reason we also, from the day we heard of your faith and love, do not cease praying and asking for you, to the end that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God's mighty power which is at work in me.

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins!

For this reason let no man be your judge in any question of food or drink or feast days or new moons or Sabbaths:

Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels cheat you out of the prize by rejoicing about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up for no reason by his carnal mind.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

You must bear with one another and forgive one another, if anyone has reason to be offended with anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.

whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], in order that you may know {our circumstances} and he may encourage your hearts,