1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm yourselves likewise with the same mind : for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin ; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men , but to the will of God . 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles , when we walked in lasciviousness , lusts , excess of wine , revellings , banquetings , and abominable idolatries : 4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot , speaking evil of you : 5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead . 6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead , that they might be judged according to men in the flesh , but live according to God in the spirit .
Suffering for Christ
7But the end of all things is at hand : be ye therefore sober , and watch unto prayer . 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves : for charity shall cover the multitude of sins . 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging . 10As every man hath received the gift , even so minister the same one to another , as good stewards of the manifold grace of God . 11If any man speak , let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth : that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever . Amen .
Serving One Another
12Beloved , think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you , as though some strange thing happened unto you : 13But rejoice , inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings ; that , when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding joy . 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are ye ; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you : on their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified . 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer , or as a thief , or as an evildoer , or as a busybody in other men’s matters . 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian , let him not be ashamed ; but let him glorify God on this behalf . 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God : and if it first begin at us , what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved , where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator .