Ifyou have diedwith Christto the elementary principlesof the world,why,as ifyou were livingin the world,do you submit yourself to decrees,such as,
"Ifyou were of the world,the worldwould loveits own;but becauseyou are not of the world,but I choseyou out of the world,becauseof thisthe worldhatesyou.
For though we walkin the flesh,we do not waraccordingto the flesh,
Soalsowe, whilewe were children,were held in bondageunderthe elemental thingsof the world.
But may it neverbe that I would boast,exceptin the crossof our LordJesusChrist,throughwhichthe worldhas been crucifiedto me, and I to the world.
by abolishingin His fleshthe enmity,[which is] the Lawof commandments[contained] in ordinances,sothat in HimselfHe might makethe twointo onenewman,[thus] establishingpeace,
having canceledout the certificate of debtconsisting of decreesagainstus, whichwas hostileto us; and He has takenit out of the way,having nailedit to the cross.
Thereforenooneis to act as your judgein regard to foodordrinkorin respectto a festivalora new moonora Sabbathday--
"Do not handle,do not taste,do not touch!"
Seeto it that noonetakes you captivethroughphilosophyand emptydeception,accordingto the traditionof men,accordingto the elementary principlesof the world,ratherthanaccordingto Christ.
For you have diedand your lifeis hiddenwith Christin God.
Do not be carried awayby variedand strangeteachings;for it is goodfor the heartto be strengthenedby grace,not by foods,throughwhichthosewho were so occupiedwere not benefited.
You adulteresses,do you not knowthat friendshipwith the worldis hostilitytoward God?Thereforewhoeverwishesto be a friendof the worldmakeshimself an enemyof God.
We knowthat we are of God,and that the wholeworldliesin [the power of] the evil one.
