Live for God1Because Christ suffered in His body, you must be prepared to do likewise, demonstrating that you have turned away from a life of sin.2Such a person demonstrates that he does not live the rest of his earthly life to please himself, but to fulfil God's will.3In your past life you spent enough time doing what unbelievers do, living in debauchery, lust and drunkenness, taking part in orgies, living in ungodliness and worshipping idols.4Those who belong to the world find it strange that you do not want to share in their immoral behaviour and they even abuse you as a result.5However, they will be called to account by He who will judge the living and the dead.6This was why Jesus went to preach the gospel to those who had already died. They were under judgment for the way they had lived in their bodies, but were given opportunity to turn to God in the spirit realm.7The end of all things is drawing near. Therefore, you need to think clearly and be self-controlled in the way you live, for then you can pray effectively.8It is most important for you to love one another deeply because that love covers a multitude of sins.9Have open house for one another without complaining about the way this can inconvenience you.10And every person should use the gifts God has given him to serve others, faithfully showing them His grace in a whole variety of ways.11When you are called upon to speak, do so with God's enabling, desiring Him to be present in all you do through Jesus Christ who lives in you. To Him belongs the glory and the power for all eternity. Amen! It shall be so!12My dear friends, it is not surprising that you have to suffer painful trials at times; it is not that something strange or unexpected is happening to you when you do so.13Rather rejoice that you are participating in suffering for Christ, so that you will participate in the great joy there will be when He is revealed in glory!14You are blessed if you are insulted for the name of Christ. Remember, God's Spirit and His glory remain upon you.15Of course, you should not suffer for the wrong reasons, because you are a murderer, a thief, some kind of criminal or just a busybody.16But there is nothing of which to be ashamed if you suffer because you are a Christian. You should praise God for the privilege, even if sometimes it is costly!17You see, this is a time of judgment and it has begun among God's own people, His family. But what we experience is as nothing compared with the judgment that will come on those who do not obey God's gospel.18For it is written: "If it is difficult for godly people to be saved, what will the outcome be for the ungodly and the sinner?"19Therefore, those who suffer through obeying God's will should place themselves in the hands of this faithful Creator and continue to walk in ways that please Him.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)