COL. 2:22.

STRIVE FOR WHAT IS ABOVE.

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nothing in their very use. For they are but human directions and instructions. They appear reasonable where there is a desire for self-imposed service, and so-called humility, and harsh treatment of the body, but are not of any value against the indulgence of our carnal nature.

If, then, you have been raised with the Christ,
Strive for what is above, where Christ is,
Seated at the right hand of God.

Keep your thoughts fixed on what is above,
Not on what is on the earth.

For you have died,

And your life now lies hidden with the
Christ in God.

When the Christ who is our life shall appear,

Then shall you also appear with him in glory.

So put to death once and for all the carnal appetites and passions which belong to earth:

Immorality,
Uncleanness,
Lust,

Evil desire,

And the greed which is idolatry.

It is because of these the judgment of God is coming. And you once gave yourselves up to them

3: 8.

when you used to live in them. But now lay aside every kind of wickedness once and for all:

Anger,

Rage,

Ill-will,

Slandering,

Bad language out of your mouth.

Do not lie to each other. For you have laid aside, once and for all, your old self and its deeds, and have put on, once and for all, your new self which is being made new in quality also by coming into a full knowledge which is in harmony with the image of him who created it. In such a life there is no difference between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free-man, but Christ is everything and in everything.

So, as God's chosen ones, dear to him and devoted to his cause, put on

Tenderness of heart,

Kindliness,

Humility,

Gentleness,

Forbearance,

Bearing with each other and being kindly disposed to each other,

If any one has ground for complaint against another,

You, in your turn also, do the same.

And over all these put on the love

Which is the bond of maturity.

And let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts,

To which also you were called as members of one body.

And be thankful.

Let the message from the Christ dwell in you in all its wealth,

Making you in every way wise,

Teaching and warning each other with psalms, hymns and sacred songs,

In the sunshine of his favor singing with all our hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit to your husbands,

As it was becoming ever since you believed in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

And do not treat them harshly.

Children, always obey your parents.

For that is pleasant in a follower of the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,
Or they may become disheartened.

Slaves, always obey your earthly masters,
Not only when you are in their sight,
As if you only have to please men,
But with a wholehearted service,

3:21.

As those who are devout worshippers of the Master.

Whatever you do,

Do it with all your heart,

As if you are doing it for the Master,

And not for men.

For you know that it is from the Master
Your reward will come,

And that in your inheritance.

You are slaves of the Master Christ.

For the wrong-doer will reap the wrong he has done;

And human distinctions will not be recognized. Masters, do what is right and fair by your slaves.

For you know that you have a Master in heaven.

Give your constant attention to prayer, keeping on the alert while you are engaged in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us also

COL. 4: 3.

BEST WISHES.

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that God may favor us by making an opening for his message so that we may tell the secret truths revealed in the Christ-the truths for which I am in prison-so that I may make them known as I ought to do. Be wise in your conduct towards outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be kindly, and, as it were, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each one as you ought to answer him.

My dear brother Tychicus will tell you everything about me. He is a faithful servant and fellow-slave of mine as a follower of the Lord. Indeed it is for this very purpose I have sent him to you, so that you may know about us and he may at the same time give you encouragement. With him will be Onesimus our dear faithful brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you about everything here.

My fellow-prisoner Aristarchus sends you his best wishes, and so does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have received directions about him. If he pays you a visit, welcome him. Joshua also, who is called Justus, sends his best wishes. These are the only ones who still hold to circumcision, who are my fellow-workers in building up the kingdom of God. They have been a comfort to me. Epaphras who is one of yourselves, sends you