1 T herefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Since Christ has suffered in His body, we must be ready to suffer also. Suffering puts an end to sin.

2 t hat he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

You should no longer spend the rest of your life giving in to the sinful desires of the flesh. But do what God wants as long as you live in this world.

3 F or we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

In the past you gave enough of your life over to living like the people who do not know God. You gave your life to sex sins and to sinful desires. You got drunk and went to wild parties and to drinking parties and you worshiped false gods.

4 I n regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

Those who do not know God are surprised you do not join them in the sinful things they do. They laugh at you and say bad things against you.

5 T hey will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Remember, they will give an answer to Him Who judges all who are living or dead.

6 F or this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Serving for God’s Glory

For this reason, the Good News was preached to the dead. They stood in the flesh before the One Who judges so they might live in the Spirit as God wants. Love Each Other

7 B ut the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

The end of the world is near. You must be the boss over your mind. Keep awake so you can pray.

8 A nd above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Most of all, have a true love for each other. Love covers many sins.

9 B e hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Be happy to have people stay for the night and eat with you.

10 A s each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God has given each of you a gift. Use it to help each other. This will show God’s loving-favor.

11 I f anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering for God’s Glory

If a man preaches, let him do it with God speaking through him. If a man helps others, let him do it with the strength God gives. So in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ. Shining-greatness and power belong to Him forever. Let it be so. Stay True During Suffering

12 B eloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

Dear friends, your faith is going to be tested as if it were going through fire. Do not be surprised at this.

13 b ut rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Be happy that you are able to share some of the suffering of Christ. When His shining-greatness is shown, you will be filled with much joy.

14 I f you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

If men speak bad of you because you are a Christian, you will be happy because the Spirit of shining-greatness and of God is in you.

15 B ut let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

None of you should suffer as one who kills another person or as one who steals or as one who makes trouble or as one who tries to be the boss of other peoples’ lives.

16 Y et if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

But if a man suffers as a Christian, he should not be ashamed. He should thank God that he is a Christian.

17 F or the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

The time has come for Christians to stand before God and He will judge. If this happens to us, what will happen to those who do not obey the Good News of God?

18 N ow “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

If it is hard for a man who is right with God to be saved, what will happen to the sinner?

19 T herefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

So if God wants you to suffer, give yourself to Him. He will do what is right for you. He made you and He is faithful.