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Suffering as a Christian

12 My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. 13 But be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. 14 When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you. 15 Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor because you trouble other people. 16 But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name. 17 It is time for judgment to begin with God’s family. And if that judging begins with us, what will happen to those people who do not obey the Good News of God?

18 “If it is very hard for a good person to be saved,
    the wicked person and the sinner will surely be lost!”[a]

19 So those who suffer as God wants should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is right.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:18 “If . . . lost!” Quotation from Proverbs 11:31 in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament.

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