² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

⁷ I have fought the good fight,^(A) I have finished the race,^(B) I have kept the faith.

³ Join with me in suffering,^(A) like a good soldier^(B) of Christ Jesus.

¹² Fight the good fight^(A) of the faith. Take hold of^(B) the eternal life^(C) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(D) in the presence of many witnesses.

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(B) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(C) against the powers^(D) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^{(E) 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(F) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,^(G) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,^{(H) 15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.^{(I) 16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(J) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(K) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(L) and the sword of the Spirit,^(M) which is the word of God.^(N)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(O) on all occasions^(P) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(Q) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(R) for all the Lord’s people.

²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(A) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(B) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(C) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(D)

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.^(A) In this world you will have trouble.^(B) But take heart! I have overcome^(C) the world.”

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.^{(C) 38} Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.^{(D) 39} Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.^(E)

⁸ They will, however, become subject^(A) to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.”