1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same resolve-- because the One who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin--
2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will.
3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing the will of the pagans: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
4 In regard to this, they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation-- and they slander you.
5 They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged by men in the fleshly realm, they might live by God in the spiritual realm.
7 Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be clear-headed and disciplined for prayer.
8 Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength, since love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
10 Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, his speech should be like the oracles of God; if anyone serves, his service should be from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12 Dear friends, when the fiery ordeal arises among you to test you, don't be surprised by it, as if something unusual were happening to you.
13 Instead, as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah rejoice, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory.
14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a meddler.
16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he should not be ashamed, but should glorify God with that name.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?
19 So those who suffer according to God's will should, in doing good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.