⁷ You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^(A)

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)

³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(A) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(B) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^(C)

¹⁹ I am using an example from everyday life^(A) because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness^(B) leading to holiness. ²⁰ When you were slaves to sin,^(C) you were free from the control of righteousness.^(D)

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.