1 Peter 4:1–11

The Time for Behaving Like the Gentiles is Past

4Therefore, because^* Christ suffered in the flesh, you also equip yourselves with the same way of thinking, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ²in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for the will of God. ³For the time that has passed was sufficient to do what the Gentiles desire to do^a, having lived in licentiousness, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries, ⁴with respect to which they are surprised when^* you do not run with them into the same flood of dissipation, and so they^* revile you. ⁵They^b will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶Because for this reason also the gospel was preached to those who are dead, so that they were judged by human standards^c in the flesh, but they may live in the spirit by God’s standards^d.

Serving to the Glory of God

⁷Now the end of all things draws near. Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep^e your love for one another constant, because love covers a large number of sins. ⁹Be hospitable to one another without complaining. ¹⁰Just as each one has received a gift, use it for serving one another, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, let it be as the oracles of God; if anyone serves, let it be as by the strength that God provides, so that in all things God will be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the power forever and ever^f. Amen.