1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has
ceased from sin; 2 that you no longer should live the rest of your
time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we
have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and
having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and
abominable idolatries. 4 They think it is strange that you don’t run
with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: 5 who will give
account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For to
this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged
indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit. 7 But the
end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled,
and sober in prayer. 8 And above all things be earnest in your love among
yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one
another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, employ it in
serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its
various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of
God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that
in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the
glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon
you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice;
that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding
joy. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are
blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their
part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified. 15 For let none of
you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other
men’s matters. 16 But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let
him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time
has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with
us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God? 18 “If it
is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and
the sinner?”*1 19 Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will
of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
1 Proverbs 11:31
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