Ephesians 5:1–20

⁵Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,^{* 2}and walk in love, as Christ loved us^p and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^*

Renounce Pagan Ways

³But sexual immorality and impurity of any kind or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints.^{* 4}Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. ⁵Be sure of this, that no sexually immoral or impure person or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^*

⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.^{q* 7}Therefore do not be associated with them, ⁸for once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light,^{* 9}for the fruit of the light^r is found in all that is good and right and true. ¹⁰Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them.^{* 12}For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly, ¹³but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, ¹⁴for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Sleeper, awake!

Rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”^*

¹⁵Be careful, then, how you live,^s not as unwise people but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of the time, because the days are evil.^{* 17}So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.^{* 18}Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,^{* 19}as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to one another, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,^{* 20}giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,^*