Living for God’s Glory
(1 Corinthians 10:23–33)

1CHRIST then having suffered for us in the flesh, be ye also in mind armed for the same conflict: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sinning; 2that he might not spend the remaining space of life in the flesh after human passions, but the divine will. 3For the time past of life is enough for us to have wrought the will of the heathen, when we walked in all impurities, lewd appetites, excess of wine, revels, drinking-bouts, and abominable idolatries; 4wherein they think it a strange thing, that you are not running with them into the same gulph of profligacy, spreading every scandalous report of you: 5who shall give an account to him, who holds himself ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For to this end was the gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit according to the will of God.

7But the end of all things is near: be ye therefore sober-minded, and vigilant in prayers. 8But above all things have fervent love towards each other: for love will conceal a multitude of faults. 9Exercise hospitality one towards another without grudgings. 10Let every one, according as he hath received a gift, minister it to others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let it be agreeably to the oracles of God; if any man act as a deacon, let it be from the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as Christians

12Beloved, be not amazed at the fiery trial among you which is to bring you to the test, as though something strange happened to you; 13but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations. 14If ye suffer reproach for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: by them indeed he is blasphemed, but by you he is glorified. 15Let no one of you then suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or a meddler in other persons? business. 16But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account. 17For now is the time when judgment is commencing at the house of God; and if it begin with us, what will be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous man is hardly saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in well-doing as to the faithful Creator.