Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^(C)

¹² If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is,^(A) because the Day^(B) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.^(C)

¹³ No temptation^[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful;^(A) he will not let you be tempted^[b] beyond what you can bear.^(B) But when you are tempted,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

² We sent Timothy,^(A) who is our brother and co-worker^(B) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(C) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(D) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(E) 4} In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^(F)

¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,^(A)

² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(A) the pioneer^(B) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(C) scorning its shame,^(D) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^(E)

⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(D) For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(D) standing firm in the faith,^(E) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^(F)