 1 Since+ Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For those who have suffered in the flesh stop+ sinning, 2 so that they will no longer live the rest of their time in the flesh giving in to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For in the past times of our life it may have been sufficient+ for us to have worked+ the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in filthiness+, lusts, excess of wine, riots+, wild parties+, and abominable idolatries. 4 Those caught in that think it strange that you do not run with them to the same excesses of rioting, and they speak evil of you. 5 They will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living+ and the dead. 6 Because it was for this reason+ the Gospel was proclaimed+ also to those who are dead, so that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is very near+. Therefore, be sober and watch in prayer. 8 Above all things, have fervent true love among yourselves. For true love will cover the multitude of sins. Proverbs 10:12 9 Use hospitality to one another without complaining+. 10 As everyone has received the gift, even so minister the same to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let them speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let them do it by the ability that God gives so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. 13 But rejoice in that you are partakers of Christ's sufferings so that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, be blessed+. 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 or as a thief or as an evildoer or as a busybody in other people's affairs+. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let them not be ashamed, but let them glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is coming that judgment must begin at the house of God. If it begins first with us, what will the end be for those who do not obey the Gospel of God? 18 If the righteous scarcely be saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? Proverbs 11:31 19 Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
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