Peter's First Letter, Chapter 4
{4:1} Forasmuch then as Messiah suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the
flesh has ceased from sin; {4:2} that you no longer should live the
rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will
of God. {4:3} For we have spent enough of our past time doing the
desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken
binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries. {4:4} They
think it is strange that you don't run with them into the same excess
of riot, blaspheming: {4:5} who will give account to him who is ready
to judge the living and the dead. {4:6} For to this end the Good News
was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men
in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit. {4:7} But the end of
all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and
sober in prayer. {4:8} And above all things be earnest in your love
among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. {4:9} Be
hospitable to one another without grumbling. {4:10} As each has
received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of
the grace of God in its various forms. {4:11} 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 Yeshua the Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the
dominion forever and ever. Amen.
{4:12} Beloved, don't be astonished at the fiery trial which has
come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
{4:13} But because you are partakers of Messiah's sufferings, rejoice;
that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with
exceeding joy. {4:14} If you are insulted for the name of Messiah, 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. {4:15}
For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer,
or a meddler in other men's matters. {4:16} But if one of you suffers
for being a Messianic, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God
in this matter. {4:17} For the time has come for judgment to begin
with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will
happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God? {4:18} "If it is
hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly
and the sinner?"[1] {4:19} 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.
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Footnotes:
[1] {4:18} Proverbs 11:31
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