This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent.
You are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. 

Put on all the armor that God supplies. 
In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. 

Receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength.

Honor your father and mother that everything may go well for you, and 
you may have a long life on earth. This is an important commandment with a promise.

Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ.

Always thank God the Father for everything 
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Recite psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. 
Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts.

Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living, 
but instead, be filled with the HolySpirit.

Don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. 

Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.

So then, be very careful how you live. 
Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people.

Light exposes the true character of everything 
because light makes everything easy to see. 

It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. 

Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. 
Instead, expose them for what they are.

Determine which things please the Lord. 

Light produces everything that is good, 
that has God’s approval, and that is true.

Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord 
has filled you with light. Live as children who have light.

Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. 
It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes 
to those who refuse to obey Him.

 You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes 
should be mentioned among you either; instead, give thanks to God.

Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, 
or greed even be mentioned among you. 
This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people.

Live in love as Christ also loves you. He gave his life for you as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God.

Imitate God, since you are the children He loves.