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Following Christ

1Therefore,since Christ suffereda in the flesh,b equipc yourselves also with the same resolved — because the one who suffered in the flesh has finishede with sinf —2in order to live the remaining time in the flesh,no longer for human desires,g but for God’s will.h3For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do:i carrying on in unrestrained behavior,evil desires,j drunkenness,orgies,k carousing,and lawless idolatry.4So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same floodl of wild living — and they slander you.5They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.m6For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead,n so that,although they might be judged by men in the fleshlyo realm,p they might liveq by God in the spiritual realm.r

End-Time Ethics

7Now the end of all things is near;s therefore,be serious and disciplinedt for prayer.8Above all,maintain an intense loveu for each other,since love covers a multitude of sins.v,w9Be hospitablex to one another without complaining.10Based on the gift each one has received,use it to serve others,y as good managers of the varied grace of God.11If anyone speaks,it should be as one who speaks God’s words;if anyone serves,it should be from the strength God provides,z so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever.•Amen.

Christian Suffering

12Dear friends,don’t be surprised when the fiery ordealaa comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.ab13Instead,rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the•Messiah,ac so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelationad of His glory.14If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,ae you are blessed,because the Spiritaf of glory and of God rests on you.ag15None of you,however,should suffer as a murderer,a thief,an evildoer,or a meddler.ah16But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,”he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name.17For the time has come for judgmentai to begin with God’s household,aj and if it begins with us,what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

18And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?ak,al

19So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good,entrust themselvesam to a faithful Creator.