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 ²¹ For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, so that you should follow in his footsteps. [You must be a partaker [sharer] of Christ's sufferings; 1 Pet 4:12-13. Indeed, all who are determined to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Tim 3:12. For it is given to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake. Phil 1:29. From the Word of the Lord within: "I would just as soon have avoided that horrible death. I did it to show you the extent of obedience required for your own salvation. You shall suffer persecution when you lead a godly life. Any of you whose sting to bear has been hard, use these facts: all have suffered before you; sin is excoriated; God will remove the burden in time; and the same is experienced by every cleanliness-desired heart in the nations."]