Living for God’s Glory
(1 Corinthians 10:23–33)

1Seeing therefore Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same thought, that he, who hath mortified the flesh, hath ceased from sin; 2that he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh according to the lusts of men, but after the will of God. 3For the time past of our life is sufficient for us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, walking in lasciviousness, inordinate desires, excess of wine, revellings, drunkenness, and abominable idolatries: 4in which they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, and therefore speak evil of you: 5who shall give an account to Him, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For to this end was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but might live according to God in the spirit.

7But the end of all things draws nigh: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer: 8having above all things fervent love to each other; for love will cover a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable one to another, without grudging; 10as every one hath received a gift, imparting it to each other, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any one speak, let it be as declaring the oracles of God: if any one minister, let it be as from the power which God affordeth him: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as Christians

12Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery trial coming upon you, which is to try you, as if some strange thing befel you: 13but rejoice in that ye are partakers in the sufferings of Christ; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may also rejoice with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: and though as to them He is blasphemed, yet as to you He is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as a malefactor, or as an intermeddler with other people's affairs. 16But if any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God herein. 17For the time is coming when judgement is to begin at the house of God: and if at us first, what will be the end of those that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous be saved with difficulty, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them, that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls in well-doing to Him as to a faithful Creator.