Stewards of God's Grace
1 Since therefore
1Christ suffered in the flesh,
2 arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for
3whoever has suffered in the flesh
4has ceased from sin,
2
5so as to live for
6the rest of the time in the flesh
7no longer for human passions but
8for the will of God.
3
For the time that is past
9suffices
10for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
4
With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of
11debauchery, and
12they malign you;
5
but they will give account to him who is ready
13to judge the living and the dead.
6
For this is why
14the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7
15The end of all things is at hand; therefore
16be self-controlled and sober-minded
17for the sake of your prayers.
8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since
18love covers a multitude of sins.
9
19Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10
20As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,
21as good stewards of God's varied grace:
11
whoever speaks, as one who speaks
22oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves
23by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything
24God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
25To him belong glory and
26dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at
27the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13
But rejoice
28insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad
29when his glory is revealed.
14
30If you are insulted
31for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15
But
32let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or
33as a meddler.
16
Yet
34if anyone suffers as a
35Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God
36in that name.
17
For it is time for judgment
37to begin at the household of God; and
38if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who
39do not obey the gospel of God?
18
And
40"If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will
41entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.