1 Peter 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
Since Christ suffered physically, you must prepare yourselves with the same attitude he had—for those who suffer physically have turned away from sin.
2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
You will not live the rest of your lives following human desires, but doing what God wants.
3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
In the past you've spent enough time following the ways of the world: immorality, sexual indulgence, drunken orgies, partying, binge drinking, and revolting idol-worship.
4 Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
People think it's strange that you don't join them anymore in this wild and excessive lifestyle, so they curse at you. But they will have to explain what they've done to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
5 But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
That's why the good news was shared with those who've already died—
6 That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
so that although they were rightly judged as far as being sinful human beings is concerned, they could live in the spirit as far as God is concerned.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
Everything is coming to an end! So think clearly and stay alert when you pray.
8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Most of all, you should love one another very deeply, for love covers many of the wrong things people do.
9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Show hospitality to each another, and don't complain.
10 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
Whatever gift you've been given, share it with others among you, as people who wisely demonstrate God's grace in all its different forms.
11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)
Anyone who speaks should do so as though God is speaking through them. Anyone who wants to help others should do so through the strength that God gives, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. May glory and power be his forever and ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
My friends, don't be alarmed at the “ordeals of fire” you're having, as if these were unexpected.
13 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
Be happy to the extent that you share in Christ's suffering, because when he appears in his glory, you will be incredibly happy!
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
If you are cursed in Christ's name, you're blessed, for God's glorious spirit rests on you.
15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or as a gossip—
16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
but if it's as a Christian, then you don't need to be ashamed. Instead praise God that you're called by that name!
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
For the time of judgment has come—and it begins with the house of God. If it begins with us, what will be the end of those who reject God's good news?
18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
“If it's hard for those who live right to be saved, what will happen to sinners, those who oppose God?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
So then those who suffer according to the will of God, the trustworthy Creator, should make sure they are doing good.
