7But unto every one of us grace has been given as a gift in measures determined by Christ. 8That is why Scripture says, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Ps.68:18). 9Notice that it says that “He ascended”. This means that He also first descended into our lowly world. 10He Who descended is the same as He Who ascended far above all heavens, that He might fill the entire universe with Himself. 11And so Christ Himself gave some as apostles; some as prophets; some as evangelists; and some as pastors and teachers; 12To equip the saints for their work in the ministry, for building up the body of Christ (the church); 13Until we all reach the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, and attain maturity - the whole measure of the fullness of Christ; 14That we will no longer be children, tossed and blown about by the wind of every doctrine (belief system), by the imagination and cunning schemes of men, designed to deceive the gullible; 15But, instead, speaking the truth in love, we may grow into the mature body of Him, Who is the head, Jesus Christ; 16From Him the entire body is joined together in harmony and held together by every supporting ligament and joint, each part working together effectively in measure, contributing to the building up and growth of the body in love.

17And so I tell you this, and insist upon it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as other Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking, 18Having their understanding darkened, being alienated (separated) from the life of God by their ignorance, due to the hardness of their hearts; 19And having lost all sensitivity, have surrendered themselves to lustful pursuits, indulging in all filth with greed. 20But that is not what you have learned in Christ, 21When you heard about Christ, and were taught the truth that is found in Jesus: 22That you must discard your former manner of life and former old self, which was corrupted by deceitful lusts, 23And instead, be renewed in your thoughts and attitudes by the Spirit; 24And put on your new self, which is created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness.

25Therefore, putting off all lying, speak truthfully to your neighbor; for we are all members of one body – the body of Christ. 26“Be angry, yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ps.4:4); 27Do not give the devil a foothold. 28Let anyone who may have stolen, steal no more; but instead, let him work with his hands to produce something that has value, that he may earn and be able to give to those that have needs. 29Let no foul or abusive language come out of your mouth, but only what is good for edification (constructive), that it may show grace to and benefit those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by Whom you are sealed until the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, rage, anger, clamor, and slander, be done away with, along with any other form of malice; 32And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you.