Therefore, brothers, be zealous even more to make your calling and election secure, because [if you] do these [things], you will never ever stumble. For in this way entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied for you.

"Blessed [are] the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] the ones who mourn, because they will be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek, because they will inherit the earth.read more.
Blessed [are] the ones who hunger and thirst [for] righteousness, because they will be satisfied. Blessed [are] the merciful, because they will be shown mercy. Blessed [are] the pure in heart, because they will see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God. Blessed [are] those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, [you] who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!

And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples [and] said, "Blessed [are] the poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed [are] those who are hungry now, because you will be satisfied. Blessed [are] those who weep now, Because you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and revile [you] and spurn your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.

but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory,

Blessed [is] the person who endures testing, because [when he] is approved he will receive the crown of life that he has promised to those who love him.

Listen, my dear brothers! Did not God choose the poor of the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

And indeed, all those who want to live in a godly manner in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Remember the word that I said to you: 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

Therefore [when we] could bear [it] no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith, [so that] no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For [you] yourselves know that we are appointed for this,read more.
for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, [when it] takes place to test you, as [if] [something] strange were happening to you. But to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice [and] be glad. If you are reviled on account of the name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.