¹⁴ As obedient^(A) children, do not conform^(B) to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.^(C)

² Do not conform^(A) to the pattern of this world,^(B) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(C) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(D)—his good, pleasing^(E) and perfect will.

³ At one time^(A) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(B) and love of God our Savior^(C) appeared,^{(D) 5} he saved us,^(E) not because of righteous things we had done,^(F) but because of his mercy.^(G) He saved us through the washing^(H) of rebirth and renewal^(I) by the Holy Spirit,

² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(A) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(B) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^(C)

² in which you used to live^(A) when you followed the ways of this world^(B) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(C) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^(D)

⁵ not in passionate lust^(A) like the pagans,^(B) who do not know God;^(C)

⁵ Put to death,^(A) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(B) sexual immorality,^(C) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(D) which is idolatry.^{(E) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(F) is coming.^{[a] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^(G)

¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding^(A) and separated from the life of God^(B) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^{(C) 19} Having lost all sensitivity,^(D) they have given themselves over^(E) to sensuality^(F) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off^(G) your old self,^(H) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;^(I)

³⁰ In the past God overlooked^(A) such ignorance,^(B) but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.^(C)