1 Peter 4

1 So, since Christ suffered in flesh, arm yourselves too with the same intention — because the one who has suffered in flesh has been done with sin — [a] 2 so as to live the time that remains in flesh no longer by human desires but by God’s will. 3 For the time gone by is enough to have worked out what the nations want, when you went on in indecencies, desires, drunkenness with wine, carousing, drinking bouts and lawless idolatries. [b] 4 In this they are taken aback that you do not run with them into the same flood of recklessness, and they blaspheme. [c] 5 They will render an account to the one who is ready to judge living and dead. 6 For this is why the good news was announced even to the dead: so that they might be judged in flesh according to people, but live in spirit according to God. [d]

7 But the end of all things has come near. So be of sound mind, and be sober for prayers; [e] † 8 before all things keeping your love for one another earnest, because love covers a multitude of sins; [f] 9 be lovers of strangers to one another, without grumbling; [g] 10 each of you, as he received a gift of favor, serving it to one another as good household managers of the varied favor of God: [h] 11 if anyone speaks, as the words of God; if anyone serves, as out of the strength that God supplies — so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen. [i]

12 Beloved, do not be taken aback at the burning among you, which is coming to you for a test, as though something strange were happening to you, [j] 13 but rejoice to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that at the revealing of his glory you may also rejoice and be glad. 14 If you are reproached in the name of Christ — blessed are you, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [k] 15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as one who oversees what belongs to others; [l] 16 but if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. [m] †

17 Because it is the time for the judgment to begin from the house of God; and if first from us, what will be the end of those who disobey the good news of God? 18 And “if the righteous person is saved only with difficulty, where will the ungodly person and the sinner appear?” [n] 19 So then let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator, in doing good. [o]