- Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
- Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
- So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
- Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
- Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
- Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
- The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. - We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.
- But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
- For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. - The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief.
To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. - But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!
- I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
- Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! - Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace! - And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
- So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man.
- The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. - There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. - Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes. - And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.
- For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
- Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
- But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
- If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.
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