Ephesians 5:1–16

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us,al a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immoralityam and any impurityan or greedao should not even be heard ofA among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoralap or impureaq or greedyar person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdomas of Christ and of God.

LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS

6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrathat is coming on the disobedientB because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are lightau in the Lord. Walk as children of lightav—9 for the fruit of the lightC consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truthaw—10 testingax what is pleasingay to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitlessaz 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 visible,a 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper,b and rise up from the dead,c

and Christ will shine on you.d

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,D,e because the days are evil.