CHAPTER 4

Keep Fervent in Your Love

1 Therefore, since aChrist has 1suffered in the flesh, barm yourselves also with the same purpose—because che who has 2suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin—

2 aso as to no longer live bthe rest of the time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the cwill of God.

3 For athe time already past is sufficient for you to have worked out the desire of the Gentiles, 1bhaving pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and 2abominable idolatries.

4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of adissipation, bmaligning you,

5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge athe living and the dead.

6 For to this athe gospel has been 1proclaimed even to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh as men, they live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7 aThe end of all things is at hand; therefore, bbe of sound thinking and sober spirit for the purpose of 1prayer.

8 Above all, akeep fervent in your love for one another, because blove covers a multitude of sins.

9 aBe hospitable to one another without bgrumbling.

10 aAs each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good bstewards of the manifold grace of God—

11 awhoever speaks, 1as one speaking the boracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving 2cby the strength which God supplies; so that din all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, eto whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.

Sharing the Suffering of Christ

12 aBeloved, do not be surprised at the bfiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.

13 But to the degree you are asharing the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the brevelation of His glory cyou may rejoice with exultation.

14 If you are insulted 1afor the name of Christ, byou are blessed, cbecause the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 Make sure that anone of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a 1btroublesome meddler;

16 but if anyone suffers as a aChristian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to bglorify God in this name.

17 For it is time for judgment ato begin 1with bthe house of God; and if it cbegins with us first, what will be the outcome for those dwho do not obey the egospel of God?

18 aAnd if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, 1what will become of the bgodless man and the sinner?

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to athe will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.