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Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
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In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
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far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
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And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
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which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
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All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
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and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
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from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
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Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
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This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
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Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
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Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
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From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
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Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
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Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
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But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
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making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
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always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
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Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
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Final Greetings
Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
