Study Desk

But you are his chosen people, the King's priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light.

In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.

Live like free people, but don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God.

But if you are punished for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for bearing that punishment. But if you suffer for doing good and you are patient, this pleases God.

People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly.

You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.

Don't do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don't insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing.

The Lord watches over those who do what is right, and he listens to their prayers. But he is against those who do evil."

But you may suffer for doing right. If that happens, you have God's blessing. "Don't be afraid of the people who make you suffer; don't be worried."

But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.

But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear. Then people will see the good way you live as followers of Christ, and those who say bad things about you will be ashamed of what they said.

Christ himself suffered when he died for you, and with that one death he paid for your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for people who are guilty. He did this to bring all of you to God. In his physical form he was killed, but he was made alive by the Spirit.

But they will have to face God to explain what they have done. He is the one who will soon judge everyone—those who are still living and those who have died.

Some were told the Good News before they died. They were criticized by others in their life here on earth. But it was God's plan that they hear the Good News so that they could have a new life through the Spirit.

But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ's sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory.

You may suffer, but don't let it be because you murder, steal, make trouble, or try to control other people's lives.

But if you suffer because you are a "Christ-follower," don't be ashamed. You should praise God for that name.

Don't be like a ruler over those you are responsible for. But be good examples to them.

Young people, I have something to say to you too. You should accept the authority of the elders. You should all have a humble attitude in dealing with each other. "God is against the proud, but he is kind to the humble."

Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He chose you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever.