¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;^(A)

⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.^(A)

7 Therefore, since we have these promises,^(A) dear friends,^(B) let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness^(C) out of reverence for God.

Warning and Encouragement

¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone^(A) and to be holy;^(B) without holiness no one will see the Lord.^(C)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(A) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(B) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(C) and gave himself up for us^(D) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(E)

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.

³ It is God’s will^(A) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;^{(B) 4} that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a](C) in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust^(D) like the pagans,^(E) who do not know God;^{(F) 6} and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.^[b](G) The Lord will punish^(H) all those who commit such sins,^(I) as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.^(J)

¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(A) and pure, “children of God^(B) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a](C) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(D) that I did not run^(E) or labor in vain.^(F)