1 Peter 4:1–11

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.