Stewards of God's Grace
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Since therefore 1Christ suffered in the flesh,a2 arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for 3whoever has suffered in the flesh 4has ceased from sin,
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5so as to live for 6the rest of the time in the flesh 7no longer for human passions but 8for the will of God.
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For the time that is past 9suffices 10for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
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With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of 11debauchery, and 12they malign you;
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but they will give account to him who is ready 13to judge the living and the dead.
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For this is why 14the 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.
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15The end of all things is at hand; therefore 16be self-controlled and sober-minded 17for the sake of your prayers.
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Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since 18love covers a multitude of sins.
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19Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
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20As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, 21as good stewards of God's varied grace:
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whoever speaks, as one who speaks 22oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves 23by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything 24God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 25To him belong glory and 26dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
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Beloved, do not be surprised at 27the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
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But rejoice 28insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad 29when his glory is revealed.
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30If you are insulted 31for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of gloryb and of God rests upon you.
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Yet 34if anyone suffers as a 35Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God 36in that name.
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For it is time for judgment 37to begin at the household of God; and 38if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who 39do not obey the gospel of God?
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Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will 41entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)