Living for God’s Glory (1 Corinthians 10:23–33)
1 UST Therefore, because the Messiah physically suffered, prepare yourselves{ to suffer as Christians} by thinking{ about suffering} the way that Jesus thought{ about suffering}.{ Do this} because those who physically suffer are no longer involved in sin BSB BSB: Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
2 UST in order that they would not do the things that sinful people want to do during the rest of their lives. Instead, they live to do the things that God wants them to do. BSB BSB: Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
3 UST { I say that to you} because you have already used too much of your lifetime doing what the people who do not know God like to do.{ Like them,} you committed sexually immoral and lustful acts, got drunk, participated in immoral parties and drinking parties, and worshiped idols, which God has forbidden. BSB BSB: For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
4 UST Regarding those things, people who do not know God are surprised that you do not join with them{ anymore} when they do these recklessly immoral things. As a result, they say bad things{ about you}. BSB BSB: Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
5 UST { One day} these people will have to admit to God{ everything that they have done}. He is the one who will judge all people. BSB BSB: But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
7 UST All things{ on this earth} will soon end. So think sensibly and clearly in order to pray well. BSB BSB: The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
8 UST Most important of all, love each other sincerely, because if you love others, you will forgive them for many sins{ that they may commit against you}. BSB BSB: Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
9 UST Provide food and a place to sleep for fellow Christians{ who come to you}, and do it cheerfully. BSB BSB: Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10 UST Serve your fellow believers with the gifts that God has given you. Manage well the various gifts that God has kindly given you. BSB BSB: As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
11 UST Those who speak{ should speak} as if{ they were speaking} words that God has spoken. Those who serve{ others should serve them} with the strength that God gives them.{ Do so} in order to glorify God by{ doing} everything that Jesus the Messiah enables you to do. I pray that everyone will see how glorious and powerful he is forever. May it be so! BSB BSB: If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as Christians 12 UST Fellow believers whom I love, do not be surprised by the painful things you are experiencing.{ Those things} are testing you{ as people test metal by putting it into a} fire.{ Do not think that} something unusual is happening to you. BSB BSB: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 UST Instead, rejoice to the degree that you are suffering the same kinds of things that the Messiah suffered.{ Rejoice when you suffer,} in order that you may also be very glad when the Messiah returns and shows everyone how glorious he is. BSB BSB: But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
14 UST If other people insult you because you believe in the Messiah, God has blessed you, because{ your suffering} shows that the Spirit of God, the Spirit who reveals how great God is, dwells within you. BSB BSB: If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 UST Make sure that you do not suffer because you murdered anyone or stole anything or did some other kind of evil thing or because you interfered in someone else’ s affairs. BSB BSB: Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
16 UST But do not be ashamed if you suffer because you are a Christian. Instead, praise God that you have the name“Christian.” BSB BSB: But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
17 UST { I say this} because it is now time for God to begin judging people, and first he will judge those who belong to him. Since{ he will judge} us believers first, think about what{ terrible things} will finally happen to those who do not obey the good news that comes from him! BSB BSB: For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18 UST { Solomon} also{ wrote in the Scriptures},“If righteous people must suffer many difficult trials before going to heaven, how much more will the ungodly and sinful people surely suffer!” BSB BSB: And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 UST Therefore, those who are suffering because God wants{ them to suffer} should trust God with their lives while continuing to do what is good. God is the one who created them, and he always does what he promises to do. BSB BSB: So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.