1 Peter 4 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

Keep Fervent in Your Love

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same purpose, because whoever has suffered in the flesh is done with sin,

2so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but for the will and purpose of God.

3For the time already past is enough for doing what the Gentiles like to do—living in a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.

4In all this, they are resentful and surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values.

5But they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead.

6For this is why the good news was preached even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to God.

7The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer

8Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

9Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

10Just as each one of you has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace.

11Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you, as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.

13But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy.

14If you are insulted and reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you.

15Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal, or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others;

16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

17For it is the time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God?

18And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner?

19Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must do right and commit their souls to the faithful Creator.