1 Peter 4

Live for the will of God

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.a ²Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.b ³For 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.c

⁴Because 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.d ⁵But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.e ⁶That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.f

⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.g ⁸Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.h ⁹Show hospitality to one another without complaining.i

¹⁰As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.j ¹¹If 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.k

Do not be surprised by the fire

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.l ¹³But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.m ¹⁴If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.n

¹⁵Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.o ¹⁶But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.p ¹⁷For 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?q

¹⁸And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”r ¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.s