Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, ¹  any affection or mercy, ² 

– though mine too are significant. ¹  If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, ²  I have more:

Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. ¹  If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. ² 

If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits ¹  of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that ¹  God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians. ² 

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”

But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.

But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

But if someone does not provide for his own, ¹  especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

If someone spreads false teachings ¹  and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner ¹  unless he competes according to the rules. ² 

So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, ¹  he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

For if the message spoken through angels ¹  proved to be so firm that every violation ²  or disobedience received its just penalty,

how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him,

But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; ¹  its fate is to be burned.

Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer ¹  the gifts prescribed by the law.

For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity, ¹ 

For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, ¹