Ephesians 5:1–21

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And * walk in love, as the * Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, v a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality w and any impurity x or greed y should not even be heard of z among you, as is proper for * saints. 4 Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral a or impure b or greedy c person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom d of the Messiah and of God.

Light versus Darkness

6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath e is coming on the disobedient because of these things. f 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light g in the Lord. Walk as children of light h— 9 for the fruit of the light i results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth j— 10 discerning k what is pleasing l to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless m works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made clear, n 14 for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper, o and rise up from the dead, p

and the Messiah will shine on you. q r

Consistency in the Christian Life

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, s t because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand u what the Lord’s will v is. 18 And don’t get drunk w with wine, x which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit: y

19 speaking to one another

in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,

singing and making music

from your heart to the Lord,

20 giving thanks always for everything

to God the Father

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another

in the fear of Christ. z