Study Desk

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ --

because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."

who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake,

For, "All flesh is like grass, And all of man's glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls;

as newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,

For you therefore who believe is the honor, but for such as are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, Has become the chief cornerstone,"

and, "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.

But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well.

For so is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.

For what glory is it, if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.

For to this were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps,

For you were going astray like sheep; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

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

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And his ears open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."