Learn to Think Like Him

1-2 Since 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.

3-5 You’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.

Listen 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.

7-11 Everything 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

12-13 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.

Cómo Dios quiere que vivamos

Por tanto, puesto que Cristo ha padecido en la carne(A), ármense también ustedes con el mismo propósito(B), pues quien ha padecido en la carne(C) ha terminado con el pecado, para vivir(D) el tiempo que le queda en la carne(E), ya no para las pasiones humanas, sino para la voluntad de Dios. Porque el tiempo ya pasado(F) les es suficiente para haber hecho lo que agrada a los gentiles, habiendo andado en sensualidad, lujurias, borracheras, orgías, embriagueces, y abominables[a] idolatrías(G).

Y en todo esto, se sorprenden de que ustedes no corren con ellos en el mismo desenfreno de disolución(H), y los insultan(I). Pero ellos darán cuenta a Aquel que está preparado para juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos(J). Porque con este fin fue predicado el evangelio aun a los muertos(K), para que aunque sean juzgados en la carne como hombres, vivan en el espíritu conforme a la voluntad de Dios.

El fin de todas las cosas y la conducta cristiana

Pero el fin de todas las cosas se acerca[b](L). Sean pues ustedes prudentes y de espíritu sobrio(M) para la oración[c]. Sobre todo, sean fervientes en su amor los unos por los otros(N), pues el amor cubre multitud de pecados(O). Sean hospitalarios los unos para con los otros(P), sin murmuraciones[d](Q).

10 Según cada uno ha recibido un don especial(R), úselo sirviéndose los unos a los otros como buenos administradores de la multiforme gracia de Dios(S). 11 El que habla(T), que hable conforme a[e] las palabras de Dios(U); el que sirve[f], que lo haga por[g] la fortaleza que Dios da(V), para que en todo Dios sea glorificado mediante Jesucristo(W), a quien pertenecen la gloria y el dominio por los siglos de los siglos(X). Amén.

Sufriendo como cristianos

12 Amados(Y), no se sorprendan del fuego de prueba(Z) que en medio de ustedes ha venido para probarlos, como si alguna cosa extraña les estuviera aconteciendo. 13 Antes bien, en la medida en que comparten los padecimientos de Cristo(AA), regocíjense, para que también en la revelación de Su gloria(AB) se regocijen con gran alegría(AC). 14 Si ustedes son insultados por[h] el nombre de Cristo(AD), dichosos son(AE), pues el Espíritu de gloria y de Dios(AF) reposa sobre ustedes. [i]Ciertamente, por ellos Él es blasfemado, pero por ustedes es glorificado. 15 Que de ninguna manera sufra alguien de ustedes como asesino(AG), o ladrón, o malhechor, o por entrometido[j](AH). 16 Pero si alguien sufre como cristiano(AI), que no se avergüence, sino que como tal glorifique a Dios(AJ).

17 Porque es tiempo de que el juicio comience(AK) por[k] la casa de Dios(AL). Y si comienza por[l] nosotros primero(AM), ¿cuál será el fin de los que no obedecen(AN) al evangelio de Dios(AO)? 18 Y si el justo con dificultad se salva, ¿qué será del impío y del[m] pecador(AP)? 19 Así que los que sufren conforme a la voluntad de Dios(AQ), encomienden sus almas al fiel Creador, haciendo el bien.

Footnotes

  1. 4:3 Lit. e ilícitas.
  2. 4:7 Lit. se ha acercado.
  3. 4:7 Lit. las oraciones.
  4. 4:9 O sin quejas.
  5. 4:11 O como si fueran.
  6. 4:11 O que ministra.
  7. 4:11 Lit. de.
  8. 4:14 O en.
  9. 4:14 Los mss. más antiguos no incluyen el resto del vers.
  10. 4:15 Lit. uno que supervisa los asuntos de otro.
  11. 4:17 Lit. desde.
  12. 4:17 Lit. desde.
  13. 4:18 Lit. ¿dónde aparecerá el impío y el.

Living for God

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) 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. 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) They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(F) But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(G) 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.

The end of all things is near.(I) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(J) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(K) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(L) 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,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](AD)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(AE) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)