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 living in doing the desire of the
Gentiles, and to have 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 was the gospel 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 one to another without grumbling. 10 According as each
has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of
the grace of God in its various forms. 11 If any man speaks, let it be as
it were oracles of God. If any man 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 also you may rejoice with exceeding
joy. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are
you; 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 as 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 at the house of God. If it begins first with
us, what will happen to those who don't obey the gospel of God? 18 "If it
is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and
the sinner?" 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.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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