1. Since Christ has suffered physically, take the same attitude that he had. (A person who has suffered physically no longer sins.)
2. That way you won’t be guided by sinful human desires as you live the rest of your lives on earth. Instead, you will be guided by what God wants you to do.
3. You spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do. You were promiscuous, had sinful desires, got drunk, went to wild parties, and took part in the forbidden worship of false gods.
4. Unbelievers insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of wild living.
5. They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6. After all, the Good News was told to people like that, although they are now dead. It was told to them so that they could be judged like humans in their earthly lives and live like God in their spiritual lives.
7. The end of everything is near. Therefore, practice self-control, and keep your minds clear so that you can pray.
8. Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins.
9. Welcome each other as guests without complaining.
10. Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others.
11. Whoever speaks must speak God’s words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen.
12. Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery troubles that are coming in order to test you. Don’t feel as though something strange is happening to you,