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For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
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I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
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far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
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in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
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For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
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not by works, so that no one can boast.
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remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
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which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
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I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
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That, however, is not the way of life you learned
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“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
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and do not give the devil a foothold.
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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
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And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
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But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
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Therefore do not be partners with them.
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Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
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Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
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Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
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Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,
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Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
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Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
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Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
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And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
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For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
