²⁵ choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the ^[a]passing pleasures of sin,

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone ^(A)is in Christ, he is ^(B)a new creation; ^(C)old things have passed away; behold, all things have become ^(D)new.

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. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a ^[c]busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this ^[d]matter.

³ You therefore must ^(A)endure^[a] hardship ^(B)as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ^4 (C)No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. ⁵ And also ^(D)if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I say, and ^[b]may the Lord ^(E)give you understanding in all things.

⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ, ^(F)of the seed of David, ^(G)was raised from the dead ^(H)according to my gospel, ^9 (I)for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, ^(J)even to the point of chains; ^(K)but the word of God is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore ^(L)I endure all things for the sake of the ^[c]elect, ^(M)that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

^7 (A)In the measure that she glorified herself and lived ^[a]luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as ^(B)queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’

^6 (A)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(B)for a little while, if need be, ^(C)you have been ^[a]grieved by various trials, ⁷ that ^(D)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(E)it is tested by fire, ^(F)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,