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since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same resolve, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he no longer lives for human desires during his remaining time in the flesh, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have already spent enough time in the past in doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 So they think it strange that you do not continue to plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they speak badly of you for that. 5 But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was also even proclaimed to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, they might live according to God in the spiritual realm.
7 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for each other, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use the gift he has received to serve others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one who is speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may rejoice with great joy when His glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 But none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler and other people’s affairs. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he should not be ashamed, but let him glorify God that he bears this name. 17 But the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So those who suffer according to the will of God should entrust themselves to a faithful Creator and continue to do good.