1 Therefore, since 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 he no longer should live the rest ofhistime in the flesh for the lusts of men,but for the will of God.
3 For wehavespentenough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run withthemin the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil ofyou.
5 They will give an account to Him who is readyto judge the living and the dead.
6 For this reasonthe gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, butlive according to God in the spirit.
Serving for God’s Glory
7 Butthe end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for“love will cover a multitude of sins.”
9 Behospitable to one anotherwithout grumbling.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,as good stewards ofthe manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks,lethimspeakas the oracles of God. If anyone ministers,lethimdoitas with the ability which God supplies, thatin all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for God’s Glory
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoiceto the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, thatwhen His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ,blessedareyou,for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed,but on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
16 Yet ifanyonesuffersas a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the timehascomefor judgment to begin at the house of God; and ifitbeginswith us first,what willbethe end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Now
# “If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of Godcommit their soulstoHimin doing good, as to a faithful Creator.