1 Peter 4

Stewards of God’s Grace

4Since therefore ^zChrist suffered in the flesh,^{1 a}arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for ^bwhoever has suffered in the flesh ^chas ceased from sin, ^2dso as to live for ^ethe rest of the time in the flesh ^fno longer for human passions but ^gfor the will of God. ³For the time that is past ^hsuffices ⁱfor doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of ^jdebauchery, and ^kthey malign you; ⁵but they will give account to him who is ready ^lto judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is why ^mthe gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷ⁿThe end of all things is at hand; therefore ^obe self-controlled and sober-minded ^pfor the sake of your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since ^qlove covers a multitude of sins. ^9rShow hospitality to one another without grumbling. ^10sAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, ^tas good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks ^uoracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves ^vby the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything ^wGod may be glorified through Jesus Christ. ^xTo him belong glory and ^ydominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at ^zthe fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice ^ainsofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^bwhen his glory is revealed. ^14cIf you are insulted ^dfor the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory² and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵But ^elet none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^fas a meddler. ¹⁶Yet ^eif anyone suffers as a ^gChristian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^din that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment ^hto begin at the household of God; and ⁱif it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^jdo not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And

^k“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”³

¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will ^lentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.