Good Stewards of God's Grace

1Therefore, since Christ has suffered ³⁶for us in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same mentality, because whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

2so as to live his remaining time in the flesh no longer for the evil desires of men, but for the will of God.

3For ³⁷we have spent enough of our ³⁸lives doing what the Gentiles like to do, walking in sensual indulgences, evil desires, excesses of wine, revelries, drinking bouts, and illicit idolatries.

4They are surprised when you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, so they revile you.

5But they will give an account to him who ³⁹is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to the dead, so that, though they have been judged in the flesh as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.

7The end of all things has drawn near. Therefore be alert and sober-minded for the sake of ⁴⁰your prayers.

8Above all, maintain a deep love for one another, because love ⁴¹will cover a multitude of sins.

9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

10As each of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11If anyone speaks, he should do so as one who speaks the oracles of God; if anyone serves, he should do so as one who serves from ⁴²strength as God supplies it, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever ⁴³and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing were happening to you.

13But insofar as you share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of ⁴⁴glory and of God ⁴⁵rests upon you. ⁴⁶On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.

15None of you should suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or meddler,

16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he should not be ashamed, but should glorify God in this ⁴⁷matter.

17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins first with us, what will be the outcome for those who are disobedient to the gospel of God?

18And,
“If the righteous man is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly man and sinner?”

19Therefore, those who suffer according to the will of God should entrust their souls to him as their faithful Creator while doing what is good.