³⁰ and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared^(A) by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.”^(B)

³² “‘You say, “We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.” But what you have in mind will never happen.

² This is what the Lord says:

Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer^(A) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^(B)

²⁸ When I brought them into the land^(A) I had sworn to give them and they saw any high hill or any leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, made offerings that aroused my anger, presented their fragrant incense and poured out their drink offerings.^(B)

¹⁶ You must destroy all the peoples the Lord your God gives over to you.^(A) Do not look on them with pity^(B) and do not serve their gods,^(C) for that will be a snare^(D) to you.

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)

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.