Living for God's Glory

1Christ, then, having suffered for us in [the] flesh, do ye also arm yourselves with the same mind; for he that has suffered in [the] flesh has done with sin, 2no longer to live the rest of [his] time in [the] flesh to men's lusts, but to God's will. 3For the time past [is] sufficient [for us] to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, walking in lasciviousness, lusts, wine-drinking, revels, drinkings, and unhallowed idolatries. 4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same sink of corruption, speaking injuriously [of you]; 5who shall render account to him who is ready to judge [the] living and [the] dead. 6For to this [end] were the glad tidings preached to [the] dead also, that they might be judged, as regards men, after [the] flesh, but live, as regards God, after [the] Spirit.

7But the end of all things is drawn nigh: be sober therefore, and be watchful unto prayers; 8but before all things having fervent love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins; 9hospitable one to another, without murmuring; 10each according as he has received a gift, ministering it to one another, as good stewards of [the] various grace of God. 11If any one speak -- as oracles of God; if any one minister -- as of strength which God supplies; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the might for the ages of ages. Amen.

Suffering as Christians

12Beloved, take not [as] strange the fire [of persecution] which has taken place amongst you for [your] trial, as if a strange thing was happening to you; 13but as ye have share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, that in the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exultation. 14If ye are reproached in [the] name of Christ, blessed [are ye]; for the [Spirit] of glory and the Spirit of God rests upon you: [on their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.] 15Let none of you suffer indeed as murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or as overseer of other people's matters; 16but if as a christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in this name. 17For the time of having the judgment begin from the house of God [is come]; but if first from us, what [shall be] the end of those who obey not the glad tidings of God? 18And if the righteous is difficultly saved, where shall the impious and [the] sinner appear? 19Wherefore also let them who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing to a faithful Creator.