|
[1]FORASMUCH then as Christ has suffered for you in the flesh, arm yourselves also with this very thought; he who subdues his body ceases from all sin;
[2]That he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3]For the time past sufficed to have wrought the will of the pagans when you lived in lasciviousness, drunkenness, revellings, indecent singing, and worship of idols.
[4]And behold, they think it strange that you do not indulge with them in the past excesses, and they blaspheme against you.
[5]And they shall answer to God who is to judge the quick and the dead.
[6]For, for this cause the gospel was preached also to those who are dead: that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, and live according to God in spirit.
[7]But the end of all things is at hand: be devout therefore, and be mindful of prayer.
[8]And above all things have fervent charity towards one another: because charity covers a multitude of sins.
[9]Be hospitable to strangers without grudging.
[10]So let everyone of you according to the gift he has received from God, minister the same to your fellowmen, like good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11]If any man preach, let him preach the word of God; and if any man minister, let him do it according to the ability which God has given him: so that in everything you do, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.
[12]My beloved, do not think it strange at the trials that come upon you, as though some strange thing happened to you: because these things are to prove you.
[13]But rejoice, for you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; and when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14]If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you: for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
[15]But let none of you suffer the fate of a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor.
[16]If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God through that very name.
[17]For the time is come that judgment must begin with the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
[18]And if the righteous scarcely be saved, how shall the wicked and the sinner stand judgment?
[19]Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
|