EPHESIANS 5

1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3But 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. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

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

Instructions for Christian Households

21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

EPHESIANS 6

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey 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. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9And 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.

The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

PSALM 119

א Aleph

1Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— 3they do no wrong but follow his ways. 4You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth

9How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. 13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. 18Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.20My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. 22Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 28My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. 30I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. 31I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

33Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. 34Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 38Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

ו Waw

41May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; 42then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. 44I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. 45I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 46I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, 47for I delight in your commands because I love them. 48I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

ז Zayin

49Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 51The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. 52I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. 53Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. 54Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. 55In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. 56This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.

ח Heth

57You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. 58I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. 60I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 61Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. 62At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 63I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 64The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.

ט Teth

65Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. 66Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 68You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 71It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

73Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. 74May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. 75I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. 77Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. 78May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. 79May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. 80May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.