²¹ Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.^(A)

²² to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts,^(A)

¹³ In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;^(A)

⁶³ It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Live as Servants of God

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul.^[a](A)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

2 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.^(A)

⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).^{(A) 6} On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.^{[a](B) 7} These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.^{[b] 8} But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive^[c] language from your mouth.^(C)

⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.^(A)

The Example of Jesus

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,^[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,^(A)