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Stewards of God's Grace

¹ Since therefore ^(a)Christ suffered in the flesh,^{[a] (b)}arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for ^(c)whoever has suffered in the flesh ^(d)has ceased from sin, ^2 (e)so as to live for ^(f)the rest of the time in the flesh ^(g)no longer for human passions but ^(h)for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past ⁽ⁱ⁾suffices ^(j)for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of ^(k)debauchery, and ^(l)they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready ^(m)to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why ⁽ⁿ⁾the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

^7 (o)The end of all things is at hand; therefore ^(p)be self-controlled and sober-minded ^(q)for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since ^(r)love covers a multitude of sins. ^9 (s)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ^10 (t)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, ^(u)as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks ^(v)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves ^(w)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything ^(x)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. ^(y)To him belong glory and ^(z)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(aa)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(ab)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(ac)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (ad)If you are insulted ^(ae)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[b] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But ^(af)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(ag)as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet ^(ah)if anyone suffers as a ^(ai)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(aj)in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment ^(ak)to begin at the household of God; and ^(al)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^(am)do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will ^(ao)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.