1 Peter 4

English Standard Version Anglicised

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. ³For 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. ⁴With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of ^(K)debauchery, and ^(L)they malign you; ⁵but they will give account to him who is ready ^(M)to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For 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. ⁸Above 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: ¹¹whoever 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 for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹²Beloved, 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. ¹³But 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. ¹⁵But ^(AF)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(AG)as a meddler. ¹⁶Yet ^(AH)if anyone suffers as a ^(AI)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(AJ)in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgement ^(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? ¹⁸And

^(AN)“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[c]

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

Footnotes

1 Peter 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

1 Peter 4

The Message

Learn to Think Like Him

4 ^1-2Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

^3-5You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

⁶Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

^7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Glory Just Around the Corner

^12-13Friends, 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.

^14-16If 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!

^17-19It’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.

English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)

The Message (MSG)

1 Peter 4 English Standard Version Anglicised