Living for God

¹Since Christ suffered in his body, protect yourselves by having the same attitude that he did, because anyone who suffers in their body is finished with sin.

²As a result, they don’t live the rest of their earthly life following wrong human desires. Instead, they live to do what God wants.

³You’ve spent enough time in the past doing what ungodly people choose to do. You lived a wild life and wanted the wrong things. You got drunk and went to wild parties. You worshiped statues of gods, which is something the Lord hates.

⁴Ungodly people are surprised that you don’t join them anymore in their wild and wasteful living, and they insult you because you don’t.

⁵But they’ll have to explain their actions to God, who’s ready to judge the living and the dead.

⁶That’s why the good news was preached even to people who are now dead. Even though they were judged in their bodies for what they did while they lived on earth, they were told the good news so that they could live in the spirit the way God wants.

⁷The end of all things is near. So be alert and stay sober so that you can pray.

⁸Most of all, love one another deeply, because love covers over many sins.

⁹Entertain others in your homes without complaining.

¹⁰Each of you has received a gift that you can use to serve others. You should use it as something that God has trusted you with. These gifts come in many forms.

¹¹If anyone speaks, they should do it as someone who’s speaking God’s own words. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength that God provides. That way God will be praised in all things through Jesus Christ. May he receive the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹²Dear friends, don’t be surprised if you get the feeling that you’re being tested by fire. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you.

¹³Instead, be glad that you can take part in Christ’s sufferings. That way you’ll be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

¹⁴If people insult you because of the name of Christ, then you’re blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

¹⁵If you suffer, it shouldn’t be because you’re a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal. It shouldn’t be because you interfere in other people’s business.

¹⁶But if you suffer because you’re a Christian, then don’t be ashamed. Instead, praise God that you’re known by the name of Christ.

¹⁷It’s time for judgment to begin with God’s household. And if it begins with us, what will happen to people who don’t obey the good news of God?

¹⁸Scripture says,

“If it’s hard for people who are living right to be saved,

then what will happen to ungodly people and sinners?”

¹⁹Here’s what people who suffer according to God’s will should do. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.