⁶ For we know that our old self^(A) was crucified with him^(B) so that the body ruled by sin^(C) might be done away with,^[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin^(D)—

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]”^(A)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(A) the new creation^(B) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^(C)

² You desire but do not have, so you kill.^(A) You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(A) and is useful for teaching,^(B) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^(C)

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(A) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(B) rather, serve one another^(C) humbly in love.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast,^(A) do not look somber^(B) as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.^(C)

¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](A) the Lord’s glory,^(B) are being transformed into his image^(C) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.