Following Christ

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered w in the flesh, x equip y yourselves also with the same resolve z—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished a with sin b— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, c but for God’s will. d 3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: e carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, f drunkenness, orgies, g carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood h of wild living—and they slander you. 5 They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. i 6 For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, j so that, although they might be judged by men in the fleshly k realm, l they might live m by God in the spiritual realm. n

End-Time Ethics

7 Now the end of all things is near; o therefore, be serious and disciplined p for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain an intense love q for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. r s 9 Be hospitable t to one another without complaining. 10 Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, u as good managers of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, v so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. * Amen.

Christian Suffering

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal w comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. x 13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the * Messiah, y so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation z of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, a you are blessed, because the Spirit b of glory and of God rests on you. c 15 None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. d 16 But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,” he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name. 17 For the time has come for judgment e to begin with God’s household, f and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

18 And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? g h

19 So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves i to a faithful Creator.