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Therefore, as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

so that henceforth (as much time as remains in the flesh) he should not live after the lusts of man, but after the will of God.

For in the past of our lives, it may have sufficed for us to work after the same desires as the Gentiles: walking in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, in gluttony, carousing, and in abominable idolatries.

So, it seems strange to them that you do not run with them to the same excess of debauchery, and they speak evil of you.

They shall give account to Him Who is ready to judge quick and dead.

For to this purpose was the Gospel also preached to the dead: so that they might be condemned according to man in the flesh but might live according to God in the Spirit.

Now, the end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be of sound mind, and watching in prayer.

But above all things, have fervent love among you. For love shall cover a multitude of sins.

Be hospitable one to another, without grumbling.

10 The same gifts which everyone has received, let us minister to each other as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the words of God. If anyone ministers, let him do so as with the strength which God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to Whom is praise and dominion, forever and ever. Amen.

12 Dearly beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is among you (to test you), as though some strange thing had come to you.

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings! So that when His glory shall appear, you may be glad and rejoice!

14 If you are railed upon for the Name of Christ, you are blessed! For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (Who on their part is blasphemed, but on your part is glorified).

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a busybody.

16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed. But let him glorify God in this behalf.

17 For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God. If it first begins with us, what shall the end be of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?

18 “And if the righteous are scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

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

Living for God

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(B) As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(C) but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past(D) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(E) They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(F) But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(G) For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(H) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near.(I) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(J) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(K) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(L) Offer hospitality(M) to one another without grumbling.(N) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(O) as faithful(P) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(Q) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(R) so that in all things God may be praised(S) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(T)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(U) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(V) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(W) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(X) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(Y) you are blessed,(Z) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(AA) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(AB) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(AC) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](AD)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(AE) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)