[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 to the lusts of men, but to 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 lasciviousness, 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, whose is 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 at 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.
