Good Stewards of God's Grace

4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered [fn]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same mentality, because whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live his remaining time in the flesh no longer for the evil desires of men, but for the will of God. 3 For [fn]we have spent enough of our [fn]lives doing what the Gentiles like to do, walking in sensual indulgences, evil desires, excesses of wine, revelries, drinking bouts, and illicit idolatries. 4 They are surprised when you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, so they revile you. 5 But they will give an account to him who [fn]is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to the dead, so that, though they have been judged in the flesh as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.

7 The end of all things has drawn near. Therefore be alert and sober-minded for the sake of [fn]your prayers. 8 Above all, maintain a deep love for one another, because love [fn]will cover a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do so as one who speaks the oracles of God; if anyone serves, he should do so as one who serves from [fn]strength as God supplies it, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever [fn]and ever. Amen.