Warning Against Idleness

⁶ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(A)that you withdraw ^(B)from every brother who walks ^(C)disorderly and not according to the tradition which ^[a]he received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread ^[b]free of charge, but worked with ^(D)labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, ⁹ not because we do not have ^(E)authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one ^[a]despise your youth, but be an ^(A)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ^[b]in spirit, in faith, in purity.

⁷ in all things showing yourself to be ^(A)a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, ^(B)incorruptibility,^{[a] 8} sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of ^[b]you.

Christ’s Example to Be Followed

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered ^[a]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, ^(A)but for the will of God. ³ For we have spent enough of our past ^[b]lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. ⁴ In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice ^(A)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that ^(B)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If you are ^[a]reproached for the name of Christ, ^(C)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ^[b]On their part He is blasphemed, ^(D)but on your part He is glorified.