Living for God’s Glory 1Christ, therefore, having suffered in flesh, do ye also arm yourselves with the same mind; because he who suffered in flesh has ceased from sin; 2that ye no longer live the rest of your time in the flesh to the desires of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past is sufficient to have wrought the will of the gentiles, having walked in wantonness, lusts, wine-bibbings, revelings, carousings, and impious idolatries; 4at which they are surprised, since ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you; 5who shall render an account to Him Who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For to this end was the Gospel proclaimed even to the dead, that they might, indeed, be judged according to men in flesh, but live according to God in spirit. 7But the end of all things has drawn near; be ye, therefore, of sound mind, and be sober unto prayers; 8above all things, having fervent love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins; 9being hospitable to one another, without murmuring; 10according as each one received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11if anyone speaks, as uttering the oracles of God; if anyone ministers, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to Whom is the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as Christians 12Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery-test taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened to you; 13but, in so far as ye share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. 14If ye are reproached in Christ's name, happy are ye, because the Spirit of glory and that of God rests upon you. 15For let no one of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other men's matters; 16but, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. 17Because it is the time for judgment to begin at the house of God; and, if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the Gospel of God? 18And, if the righteous, with difficulty, is saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? 19Wherefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing to a Faithful Creator. Worrell New Testament (1904) Digital Text Courtesy TheWord.net Bible Software. Section Headings Courtesy Berean Bible. |