1 Peter 4

4Therefore, since Christ suffered ¹for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ²that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, ^abut for the will of God. ³For we have spent enough of our past ²lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. ⁴In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. ⁵They will give an account to Him who is ready ^bto judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this reason ^cthe gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but ^dlive according to God in the spirit.

Serving for God’s Glory

⁷But ^ethe end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ^f“love will cover a multitude of sins.” ^9gBe hospitable to one another ^hwithout grumbling. ¹⁰ⁱAs each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, ^jas good stewards of ^kthe manifold grace of God. ^11lIf anyone speaks, let him speak as the ³oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that ^min all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the ⁴dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹²Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³but rejoice ⁿto the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that ^owhen His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴If you are ⁵reproached for the name of Christ, ^pblessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ⁶On their part He is blasphemed, ^qbut on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a ⁷busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this ⁸matter.

¹⁷For the time has come ^rfor judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, ^swhat will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸Now

^t“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God ^ucommit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.