Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(B) 2} As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(C) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(D) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(E) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^{(F) 5} But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^{(G) 6} For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^(H) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷ The end of all things is near.^(I) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(J) so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply,^(K) because love covers over a multitude of sins.^{(L) 9} Offer hospitality^(M) to one another without grumbling.^{(N) 10} Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(O) as faithful^(P) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(Q) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(R) so that in all things God may be praised^(S) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(T)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(U) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(V) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(W) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(X) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(Y) you are blessed,^(Z) 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.^{(AA) 17} For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;^(AB) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^{(AC) 18} And,

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will^(AE) 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^(AF) and a witness^(AG) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^{(AH) 2} Be shepherds of God’s flock^(AI) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(AJ) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(AK) but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over^(AL) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(AM) to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd^(AN) appears, you will receive the crown of glory^(AO) that will never fade away.^(AP)

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^(AQ) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility^(AR) toward one another, because,

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.^{(AT) 7} Cast all your anxiety on him^(AU) because he cares for you.^(AV)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(AW) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(AX) like a roaring lion^(AY) looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(AZ) standing firm in the faith,^(BA) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^(BB)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you^(BC) to his eternal glory^(BD) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(BE) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(BF) firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(BG)

Final Greetings

¹² With the help of Silas,^[c](BH) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,^(BI) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.^(BJ)

¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.^{(BK) 14} Greet one another with a kiss of love.^(BL)

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