1 Peter 4

Following Christ

4Therefore, since Christ suffered ^win the flesh, ^xequip ^yyourselves also with the same resolve ^z—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished ^awith sin ^b— ²in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, ^cbut for God’s will. ^d3For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: ^ecarrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, ^fdrunkenness, orgies, ^gcarousing, and lawless idolatry. ⁴So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood ^hof wild living—and they slander you. ⁵They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁱ⁶For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, ^jso that, although they might be judged by men in the fleshly ^krealm, ^lthey might live ^mby God in the spiritual realm. ⁿ

End-Time Ethics

⁷Now the end of all things is near; ^otherefore, be serious and disciplined ^pfor prayer. ⁸Above all, maintain an intense love ^qfor each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. ^rs9Be hospitable ^tto one another without complaining. ¹⁰Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, ^uas good managers of the varied grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, ^vso that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Christian Suffering

¹²Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal ^wcomes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. ^x13Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, ^yso that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation ^zof His glory. ¹⁴If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, ^ayou are blessed, because the Spirit ^bof glory and of God rests on you. ^c15None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. ^d16But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,” he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name. ¹⁷For the time has come for judgment ^eto begin with God’s household, ^fand 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 those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves ⁱto a faithful Creator.