From Colossians 2:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Colossians 1 is about Christ's deity and headship over the church, which is His body. Paul describes Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, creator of all things, before all things, the one who holds all things together, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, all fullness, the hope of glory, and the head over every power and authority. Paul's message in this chapter is that Christ is the Head of the universe and He is the source of our wisdom, life, and hope.

In Philipians 4 , Paul asks us to rejoice in the Lord always, "I will say it again , rejoice!". He explains that we need to understand a lesson that he learned, being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. He says that we should be anxious for nothing, but through prayer God will provide peace and guard our hearts and minds. God wants us to dwell on righteous thoughts , whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, "think on these things ". Then, God's peace will be with us and we will be content in every circumstance. Paul says that we will also be able to endure hardships and stand firm "through Him who gives me strength". Paul says, "my God will meet all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus".

Phil 3 says we should rejoice in the Lord, put no confidence in the flesh, and "press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me". Paul says there is nothing that compares to the "greatness of knowing Christ" and the "righteousness that comes from God". Remember that "we are citizens of heaven, where our Lord Jesus Christ lives" and He will one day "take our mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own". Be encouraged that though we will not reach perfection on earth, we will receive the "heavenly prize" for which God has called us. We can be glad that it's His race and we don't have to run by our own strength. Our confidence is in His promise that we will indeed "win the race".

Philipians 2 Paul instructs us to be like Christ , united in spirit and love, intent on one purpose. We are told not to be selfish, but to act with humility, being concerned more about others. "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."

The book of Philipians explains that true joy comes only from Jesus. In chapter 1, Paul discusses the joy of suffering for Christ that comes with the privilege of believing on Him. Paul says in v.4 that his heart is full of joy for those who have labored and suffered along with him from the beginning and he is "confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". Paul prays with affection and love for those who are his partners in the gospel, encouraging them to continue to speak the word of God courageously and fearlessly. Paul rejoices that they are preaching Christ and doing so with good motives. He says he will continue to rejoice through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit, for "to live is Christ and to die is gain". Suffering for God will be fruitful labor and will cause them to overflow in joy from Christ Jesus. He encourages them , saying " whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...in one spirit and as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you".
Let us have the same ambition as Paul, to live in eager expectation and hope that we will never do anything that causes shame, but will always be bold for Christ and that our lives and our service will always honor Christ.

Ephesians 6 (New International Version)

Ephesians 6

Children and Parents

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves and Masters

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21Tychicus, 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. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.