Psalm 96^(A)

¹³ The Lord says:

¹¹ Jesus is

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”^(B)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(A)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(B) because the days are evil.^{(C) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^{(D) 18} Do not get drunk on wine,^(E) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^{(F) 19} speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(G) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks^(H) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households^(I)

²¹ Submit to one another^(J) out of reverence for Christ.

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(A) we have not stopped praying for you.^(B) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(C) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[a](D) 10} so that you may live a life worthy^(E) of the Lord and please him^(F) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(G)

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(A) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^(B)

⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life,^(A) appears,^(B) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(C)

⁵ Put to death,^(D) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(E) sexual immorality,^(F) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(G) which is idolatry.^{(H) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(I) is coming.^{[b] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(J) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(K) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(L) and filthy language from your lips.^{(M) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(N) since you have taken off your old self^(O) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(P) which is being renewed^(Q) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(R) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(S) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(T) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(U) but Christ is all,^(V) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^{(C) 13} Bear with each other^(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(E) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(G)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(I) you were called to peace.^(J) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(L) through psalms,^(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(N) 17} And whatever you do,^(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(P) to God the Father through him.