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Thanksgiving and Prayer
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
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and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
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My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
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rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
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See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
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Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
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Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
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Further Instructions
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
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I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
