Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

Living by the Spirit’s Power

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.