Keep Fervent in Your Love

4 Therefore, since ^(A)Christ has ^[a]suffered in the flesh, ^(B)arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because ^(C)the one who has ^[b]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ^2 (D)so as to live ^(E)the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the ^(F)will of God.

Christ Is Our Example

²¹ For ^(A)you have been called for this purpose, ^(B)because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you ^(C)an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

²² strengthening the souls of ^(A)the disciples, encouraging them to continue in ^(B)the faith, and saying, “^(C)It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” ²³ When ^(D)they had appointed ^(E)elders for them in every church, having ^(F)prayed with fasting, they ^(G)entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

^12 (A)Beloved, do not be surprised at the ^(B)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you ^(C)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the ^(D)revelation of His glory ^(E)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.