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

¹⁵ Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”^(A)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.^(A)

²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(A) a stumbling block^(B) to Jews and foolishness^(C) to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called,^(D) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God^(E) and the wisdom of God.^{(F) 25} For the foolishness^(G) of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness^(H) of God is stronger than human strength.

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.^(I) Not many of you were wise^(J) by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose^(K) the foolish^(L) things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not^(M)—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him.^(N)

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(A) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(B) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^(C)

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? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(E)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen,^(A) you rich people,^(B) weep and wail^(C) because of the misery that is coming on you. ² Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.^{(D) 3} Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.^{(E) 4} Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers^(F) who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries^(G) of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.^{(H) 5} You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves^(I) in the day of slaughter.^[a](J)