New Heart English Bible 1Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;
2that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for human desires, but for the will of God.
3For enough time in the past has been spent doing the will of the unbelievers, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
4They think it is strange that you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, blaspheming:
5who will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6For this reason also the Good News was preached to those who are now dead, that they might be judged according to man in the flesh, but might live according to God in the Spirit. 7But the end of all things is near. Therefore be serious and disciplined in your prayers. 8Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 13But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified. 15For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler. 16But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. 17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins first with us, what will happen to those who do not obey the Good News of God? 18And "If the righteous is delivered with difficulty, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator. |