1 Peter 4

FOLLOWING CHRIST

4Therefore, since Christ suffered^M in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding^N—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished^af with sin^O—²in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.^{ag 3}For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires,^ah drunkenness, orgies,^ai carousing, and lawless idolatry. ⁴They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander^A you. ⁵They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.^{aj 6}For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead,^Bak so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards,^al they might live^am in the spirit according to God’s standards.

END-TIME ETHICS

⁷The end of all things is near;^an therefore, be alert and sober-minded^ao for prayer. ⁸Above all, maintain constant love^ap for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^{Caq 9}Be hospitable^ar to one another without complaining. ¹⁰Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,^as as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,^at so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

¹²Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.^{a 13}Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ,^b so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.^{c 14}If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,^d you are blessed, because the Spirit^e of glory and of God^D rests on you. ¹⁵Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.^{E 16}But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.^{F 17}For the time has come for judgment^f to begin with God’s household,^g and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

¹⁸And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?^Gh

¹⁹So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselvesⁱ to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.