Bible-Reading.comI Peter 4
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
2Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
4Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
5But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
8Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
16But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
I Peter 5
1As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
7Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
11To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
12Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.
14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.