[1] Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. [3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. [4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. [5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. [6] Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. [7] Don’t participate in the things these people do. [8] For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. [10] Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. [14] And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.” [15] So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. [17] Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. [18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. [19] Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.