Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same way of thinking (because whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin),
so that you no longer live the rest of your time in the flesh following human passions but the will of God.
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles desire to do, living in unrestrained behavior, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and detestable idolatry.
In regard to this, they think it strange that you do not run with them into the same flood of reckless actions, and they defame you.
They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead!
For this reason the good news was proclaimed even to those who are now dead, so that although they are judged according to human standards in the flesh, they might live according to God’s standards by the spirit.
But the end of all things has drawn near. Therefore, be sensible and clearheaded for the sake of your prayers.
Above all, be fervent in your love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the many-sided grace of God.
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one speaking the utterances of God. If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God is glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is occurring among you to tempt you, as though something strange were happening to you.
On the contrary, rejoice in so far as you are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you will rejoice and be exceedingly glad.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, that is, the spirit of God, rests on you.
However, none of you should suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people’s matters;
but if any of you suffers for being a Christian, he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in bearing that name.
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the good news of God?
And if the righteous person is saved while going through difficulty, what about the ungodly person and sinner—where will they appear?
So then, let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do what is good.