4:1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, |
4:2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. |
4:3 For the time already past has proven sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. |
4:4 In all this, they show surprise that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; |
4:5 but they will give account to Him who has the capability and the readiness to judge the living and the dead. |
4:7 The end of all things draws near; therefore, exercise sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. |
4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. |
4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaint. |
4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. |
4:11 Whoever speaks should do so as one who speaks the utterances of God; whoever serves should do so as one who serves by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may have glory through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. |
4:12 Beloved, do not seem surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing had happened to you; |
4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. |
4:14 If someone reviles you for the name of Christ, you receive a blessing, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. |
4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; |
4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he should not have shame, but should glorify God in this name. |
4:17 For the time for judgment has arrived, beginning with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what kind of outcome will befall those who do not obey the gospel of God? |
4:18 AND IF THE RIGHTEOUS FIND SALVATION DIFFICULT, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? |
4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing right. |