Chapter 4
1 Therefore , since Christ 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,
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 .
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 They think it is strange that you don’ t run with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you .
5 They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead .
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 .
7 But the end of all things is near . Therefore be of sound mind , self-controlled, and sober in prayer .
8 And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves , for love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling .
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.
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.
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 .
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 .
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 .
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer , or a thief , or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men ’s matters.
16 But if one of you suffers for being a Christian , let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
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 ?
18 " If it is hard for the righteous to be saved , what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?"
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 .