Following Christ

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered^[a] in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding^[b]—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished^(A) with sin^[c]— ² in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.^(B)

Christian Suffering

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.^{(A) 13} Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ,^(B) so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.^{(C) 14} If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,^(D) you are blessed, because the Spirit^(E) of glory and of God^[a] rests on you. ¹⁵ Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.^{[b] 16} But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.^{[c] 17} For the time has come for judgment^(F) to begin with God’s household,^(G) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

¹⁹ So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves^(I) to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.