1 Peter 4

1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from 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 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for human desires, 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 enough time in the past has been spent doing the will of the unbelievers, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

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 They think it is strange that you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, blaspheming:

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 who will give 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 For this reason also the Good News was preached to those who are now dead, that they might be judged according to man in the flesh, but might 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 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be serious and disciplined in your prayers.

Everything is coming to an end! So think clearly and stay alert when you pray.

8 Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers 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 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Show hospitality to each another, and don't complain.

10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.

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, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion 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 astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.

My friends, don't be alarmed at the “ordeals of fire” you're having, as if these were unexpected.

13 But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

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. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.

If you are cursed in Christ's name, you're blessed, for God's glorious spirit rests on you.

15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or 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 as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this 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 the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins first with us, what will happen to those who do not obey the Good News 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 the righteous is delivered with difficulty, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

“If it's hard for those who live right to be saved, what will happen to sinners, those who oppose God?”

19 Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.

So then those who suffer according to the will of God, the trustworthy Creator, should make sure they are doing good.