One ¹  should think about us this way – as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Am I saying these things only on the basis of common sense, ¹  or does the law not say this as well?

If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you?

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is useless; you are still in your sins.

for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, ¹  but are made powerful by God ²  for tearing down strongholds. ³  We tear down arguments ⁴ 

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather ¹  expose them. ² 

These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are ¹  on human commands and teachings. ² 

For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, ¹  not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others. ² 

But reject those myths ¹  fit only for the godless and gullible, ²  and train yourself for godliness.

For there are many ¹  rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections, ² 

For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant.

Then Abraham asked, “Since I have undertaken to speak to the Lord ¹  (although I am but dust and ashes), ² 

When the Philistine looked carefully at David, he despised him, for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy.

For he ¹  is not a human being like I am, that ²  I might answer him, that we might come ³  together in judgment.

I am ¹  a laughingstock ²  to my friends, ³  I, who called on God and whom he answered ⁴  – a righteous and blameless ⁵  man is a laughingstock!

By the Lord’s decree ¹  the heavens were made; by a mere word from his mouth all the stars in the sky were created. ² 

Indeed, a large vineyard ¹  will produce just a few gallons, ²  and enough seed to yield several bushels ³  will produce less than a bushel.” ⁴ 

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted! Issue your orders, but they will not be executed! ¹  For God is with us! ² 

He will take delight in obeying the Lord. ¹  He will not judge by mere appearances, ²  or make decisions on the basis of hearsay. ³ 

Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts ¹  the coastlands ²  as if they were dust.