[1] So that as Jesus was put to death in the flesh, do you yourselves be of
the same mind; for the death of the flesh puts an end to sin; [2] So that
you may give the rest of your lives in the flesh, not to the desires of
men, but to the purpose of God. [3] Because for long enough, in times past,
we have been living after the way of the Gentiles, given up to the desires
of the flesh, to drinking and feasting and loose behaviour and unclean
worship of images; [4] And they are wondering that you no longer go with
them in this violent wasting of life, and are saying evil things of you:
[5] But they will have to give an account of themselves to him who is ready
to be the judge of the living and the dead. [6] For this was the reason why
the good news of Jesus was given even to the dead, so that they might be
judged as men in the flesh, but might be living before God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and
keep on the watch with prayer; [8] And most of all be warm in your love for
one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number:
[9] Keep open house for all with a glad heart; [10] Making distribution
among one another of whatever has been given to you, like true servants of
the unmeasured grace of God; [11] If anyone has anything to say, let it be
as the words of God; if anyone has the desire to be the servant of others,
let him do it in the strength which is given by God; so that in all things
God may have the glory through Jesus Christ, whose are the glory and the
power for ever. [12] Dear brothers, do not be surprised, as if it was
something strange, if your faith is tested as by fire: [13] But be glad
that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation
of his glory you may have great joy. [14] If men say evil things of you
because of the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and
of God is resting on you. [15] Let no one among you undergo punishment as a
taker of life, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is
over-interested in other men's business; [16] But if he undergoes
punishment as a Christian, that is no shame to him; let him give glory to
God in this name. [17] For the time has come for the judging, starting with
the church of God; but if it makes a start with us, what will be the end of
those who are not under the rule of God? [18] And if it is hard for even
the good man to get salvation, what chance has the man without religion or
the sinner? [19] For this reason let those who by the purpose of God
undergo punishment, keep on in well-doing and put their souls into the safe
hands of their Maker.
