Study Desk

For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Psalms 34:12-16 ">[fn]

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." Isaiah 8:12">[fn]

But sanctify the Lord God [fn] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us [fn] to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us [fn] in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime [fn] in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Proverbs 10:12">[fn]

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [fn] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, [fn] not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud,But gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34 ">[fn]

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;