Shared Word Translation
1 Peter 4
Living for God’s Will
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose—for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of your time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
For the time that has passed is enough for doing what the Gentiles want to do—living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatry. They are surprised that you do not run with them into the same flood of reckless living, and they speak evil of you. But they will give account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For this reason the good news was proclaimed even to the dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh as mortals, they might live in the spirit as God does.
Love, Hospitality, and Service
The end of all things has drawn near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled for prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, because love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever speaks should do so as one who speaks the words of God; whoever serves should do so from the strength God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you that is coming upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, rests on you.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let them not be ashamed, but let them glorify God in that name.
For it is time for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the good news of God? And if “the righteous are scarcely saved,” where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their lives to a faithful Creator while doing good.