Stewards of God's Grace

4 Since therefore ^(A)Christ suffered in the flesh,^{[a] (B)}arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for ^(C)whoever has suffered in the flesh ^(D)has ceased from sin, ^2 (E)so as to live for ^(F)the rest of the time in the flesh ^(G)no longer for human passions but ^(H)for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past ^(I)suffices ^(J)for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of ^(K)debauchery, and ^(L)they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready ^(M)to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why ^(N)the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

^7 (O)The end of all things is at hand; therefore ^(P)be self-controlled and sober-minded ^(Q)for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since ^(R)love covers a multitude of sins. ^9 (S)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ^10 (T)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, ^(U)as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks ^(V)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves ^(W)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything ^(X)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. ^(Y)To him belong glory and ^(Z)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(AA)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(AB)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(AC)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (AD)If you are insulted ^(AE)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[b] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But ^(AF)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(AG)as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet ^(AH)if anyone suffers as a ^(AI)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(AJ)in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment ^(AK)to begin at the household of God; and ^(AL)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^(AM)do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will ^(AO)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, ^(AP)as a fellow elder and ^(AQ)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ^2 (AR)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,^{[d] (AS)}not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;^{[e] (AT)}not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not ^(AU)domineering over those in your charge, but ^(AV)being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when ^(AW)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the ^(AX)unfading ^(AY)crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. ^(AZ)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ^(BA)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

^6 (BB)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ^7 (BC)casting all your anxieties on him, because ^(BD)he cares for you. ^8 (BE)Be sober-minded; ^(BF)be watchful. Your ^(BG)adversary the devil ^(BH)prowls around ^(BI)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ^9 (BJ)Resist him, ^(BK)firm in your faith, knowing that ^(BL)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And ^(BM)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, ^(BN)who has called you to his ^(BO)eternal glory in Christ, will himself ^(BP)restore, ^(BQ)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ^11 (BR)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹² By ^(BS)Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, ^(BT)I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is ^(BU)the true grace of God. ^(BV)Stand firm in it. ¹³ She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does ^(BW)Mark, my son. ^14 (BX)Greet one another with the kiss of love.

^(BY)Peace to all of you who are in Christ.