The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
6 Don't let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him.
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Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
7 Don't even hang around people like that.
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Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it!
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For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9 The good, the right, the true - these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours.
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(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
10 Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
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and find out what pleases the Lord.
11 Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are.
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Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see.
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It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13 Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
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But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
14 Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!
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This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15 So watch your step. Use your head.
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Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16 Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
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making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.