Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity.

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I am very happy because you are living as you should and because of your strong faith in Christ.

These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires.

And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois.

Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.

let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience.