Be Imitators of God
Ephesians 5
THEREFORE be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as
Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to
God as a fragrant aroma.
But do not let immorality or any
impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
and their must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which
are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
For this you know with certainty, that
no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty
words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons
of disobedience.
Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you
were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as
children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all
goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing
to the Lord.
And do not participate in the
unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is
disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in
secret.
But all things become visible when they
are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is
light.
For this reason it says,
"Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on
you."
Therefore, be careful how you walk, not
as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the
days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the
will of the Lord is.
And do not get drunk with wine, for
that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be
subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

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