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Paul instructs us to be gracious to others without displaying that "holier-than-thou" attitude. We sometimes let opportunities slip by because we aren't sure if we can approach an individual with God's philosophy and because we fear rejection. Being "full of grace" helps us to represent Christ in a positive way because it gives us the opportunity to respond in a gracious and gentle manner.

[size="3"]Paul asks clarity in delivering God's word so that the recipients can have a clear understanding. Although Paul may be an "old hand" in communicating the gospel he is delivering the message to "new" people, hoping to convert them into Christians.[/size]

Paul tells us in his guidelines to be devoted to prayer and persistent in our prayer time with the Lord. He tells us to be alert when praying and not just mindless, repetitous prayers. Paul also tells us to be thankful, always giving thanks and not just petitioning God for things but giving thanks for what He has done.

I think because women and men want to retain their own identity, not giving in to the fact that two becomes one in the union of marriage in the sight of God and to totally submit would be giving up that identity. Unselfish love is difficult because some men feel that they are the "man", or they are the stronger of the two, everything is for them which also prompts harshness. And yes it is both inner as well as outer. But the directions that Paul give promotes harmony in the relationship. By a woman submitting, allowing her husband to be the "man" or to be her "husband" shows respect. When a man loves "his" wife he also shows respect for his family and it demonstrats to his children, compassion, honor and unity for family and obediance to God.

Paul instructs the masters and employers to be fair and just with their employees. If employers followed this rule of thumb, if employees followed the same rules, the work place would be a better working environment.

Paul tells us to honor the Lord in all that we do. This takes the focus off of man and places it on the Lord. If we work for a poor boss, unfair boss, unjust boss, we do not serve that person, we serve the Lord and our rewards come from Him. As difficult as it may be, Paul reminds us that he who does wrong will be repaid by the Lord.

[size="3"]Obedience prepares a child for life in general. Following the laws of authority, policies in schools and on the work site, for safety reasons and for the respect of others. It prepares them to be obedient to the Word of God. Fathers should lead the way by example and also motivate and encourage their children.[/size]

Sins of the tongue are so easy to slip into because the average person is dealing with so many trying, difficult issues in this day and age. Health, family problems, finances, the list goes on and on. Sometimes the only way to release your anger or the pressures of every day living is to just scream (for some) and curse (for others...I'm guilty!)Whereas this might be satisfying for the individual who is reacting as such, depending on the situation it can be hurting to the individual if it is directed at them.Words have a way of damaging the spirite or lifting it up. Words penatrate far more that physical.Remember what it was like to fall down and hurt yourself just to have your mother pick you up and soothe you with her conforting words? Or haven't you seen people broken with words of anger or lies? And you've heard of the old saying, "a good tongue lash". But we can break free of the sins of the tongue by being Christ-like in all our ways and making every effort to follow that one little commandment Jesus gave us, Love thy neighbor as yourself Matt 22:39

I think that with any habit or vice we have to devote the time and effort into NOT devoting time and effort. I think that sexuallust starts with the mind first and then with the body. If we cast down those sexual thoughts we can overcome the sexual desires from controlling us. The Lord says, "Come out from among them" (2Cor6:17) which is the same concept as abstaining from sin in general. We tell our children not to hang around unsavory people because they will eventually start following their lifestyle. Well, if we engage in sexual fantasies and the likes, eventually we will become sexually active. So the best way to keep sexual desires from controlling us is to "come out from among" that stuff and think and pray God! If Jesus tells us to abstain, then it can be done.

I think that with any habit or vice we have to devote the time and effort into NOT devoting time and effort. I think that sexual **** starts with the mind first and then with the body. If we cast down those sexual thoughts we can overcome the sexual desires from controlling us. The Lord says, "Come out from among them" (2Cor6:17) which is the same concept as abstaining from sin in general. We tell our children not to hang around unsavory people because they will eventually start following their lifestyle. Well, if we engage in ***********, sexual fantasies and the likes, eventually we will become sexually active. So the best way to keep sexual desires from controlling us is to "come out from among" that stuff and think and pray God! If Jesus tells us to abstain, then it can be done.

I think that with any habit or vice we have to devote the time and effort into NOT devoting time and effort. I think that sexual **** starts with the mind first and then with the body. If we cast down those sexual thoughts we can overcome the sexual desires from controlling us. The Lord says, "Come out from among them" (2Cor6:17) which is the same concept as abstaining from sin in general. We tell our children not to hang around unsavory people because they will eventually start following their lifestyle. Well, if we engage in ***********, sexual fantasies and the likes, eventually we will become sexually active. So the best way to keep sexual desires from controlling us is to "come out from among" that stuff and think and pray God! If Jesus tells us to abstain, then it can be done.

In elementary terms it means to set your heart on being with Christ. It does not mean that we are too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good, in fact our attitudes should encourage others to be followers of Christ. If we fail to take control and direct our thinking and meditating without control there is chaos.

Because they are traditions made up by man and not ordained by God

By His forgiveness all sins were wiped cleaned. Jesus took upon Himself our sins and as He was "nailed" to the cross, so were our sins. Because Jesus was obedient to the cross and followed through with what God required Him to do, He triumphed over all evil.][/size[/color]]

Verse 9 teaches that God lives fully and totally in Christ. Once you have accepted Christ, there is nothing, nothing lacking. Because He is the beginning and the end; The Alpha and Omega; The Creator of all things. Because He is Love,I NEED NOTHING, I AM COMPLETE IN HIM!!!

A belief system is just that, a belief! It has no substance or validity, just what you make of it and put into it. I personally have not been captivated by a belief system. I have been captivated or charmed by myths and fairy tales such as your typical Wizard of Oz and King Kong movies, Santa Clause, fairy tooth mother etc. Whereas these things have their place in life, after reach a certain age, I was able to discern the truth.

It means that Christ is the key to God's mystery!

The purpose of Paul

The mystery that Paul talks about is Christ indwelling in believers. The hope of glory means that the Gentiles would partake of the salvation benefits in Christ along with the Jews.

I don't feel that Paul was referring to "completing" anything that Christ is lacking in. Christ cannot lack in anything. I don't even think that Paul was referring to Christ suffering on the cross because the only one who could drink from that cup was Christ. I think maybe suffering for Christ means forsaking all others for Him. Believing in Him and enduring all that will come against you for His name sake.

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. If we continue in hope and faith we are assured the inheritance (salvation and everlasting life) the Father speaks of

We are not perfect but Jesus is! He died on the cross and therefore has the authority to present us holy, without blemish and free from accusation

Jesus accomplished the reconciliation by going to the cross and dying there for our sins. He sacrificed His blood on the cross so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to Him. The purpose of reconciliation is to present us holy, and faultless and irreproachable to the Father.

Restore, bring back to harmony. We were

The church should be a reflection of Christ. It should should bear good fruit, promote God's love and should be obedient to the Word. He is talking about a universal church, however, a local church is included if that particular church is following Jesus' doctrine. As a whole, we do not (obviously) follow Christ's leadership which is evident of the hatred, crime, chaos and the scheme to rid God out of man's everyday life.