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1 Peter 4:12-5:11
The Message
1 Peter 4:12-5:11
The Message
Glory Just Around the Corner
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14-16 If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17-19 It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.
He’ll Promote You at the Right Time
5 1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
He Gets the Last Word
8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
1 Peter 4:12-5:11
New International Version
1 Peter 4:12-5:11
New International Version
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(D) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(E) you are blessed,(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(G) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(H) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(I) 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](J)
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(K) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(L) and a witness(M) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(N) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(O) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(P) not pursuing dishonest gain,(Q) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(R) those entrusted to you, but being examples(S) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(T) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(U) that will never fade away.(V)
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(W) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(X) toward one another, because,
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(Z) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(AA) because he cares for you.(AB)
8 Be alert and of sober mind.(AC) Your enemy the devil prowls around(AD) like a roaring lion(AE) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(AF) standing firm in the faith,(AG) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(AH)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you(AI) to his eternal glory(AJ) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(AK) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AL) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AM)
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
- 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
New International Version (NIV) 
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