raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in the Messiah Jesus,

That is why God says, "When he went up to the highest place, he led captives into captivity and gave gifts to people."

Now what does this "he went up" mean except that he also had gone down into the lower parts of the earth?

The one who went down is the same one who went up above all the heavens so that all things would be fulfilled.

to equip the saints, to do the work of ministry, and to build up the body of the Messiah

Instead, by speaking the truth in love, we will grow up completely and become one with the head, that is, one with the Messiah,

in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love.

Let no filthy talk be heard from your mouths, but only what is good for building up people and meeting the need of the moment. This way you will administer grace to those who hear you.

for the light is making everything visible. That is why it says, "Wake up, sleeper! Arise from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.''

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up by training and instructing them about the Lord.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear, trembling, and sincerity, as when you obey the Messiah.

Do not do this only while you're being watched in order to please them, but be like slaves of the Messiah, who are determined to obey God's will.

For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.

In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one,