1Pet.4.1

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.

1Pet.4.1

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

1Pet.4.1

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

1Pet.4.1

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning.

1Pet.4.2

Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

1Pet.4.2

As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

1Pet.4.2

that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1Pet.4.2

And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.

1Pet.4.3

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.

1Pet.4.3

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

1Pet.4.3

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

1Pet.4.3

You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy--their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

1Pet.4.4

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.

1Pet.4.4

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

1Pet.4.4

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

1Pet.4.4

Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you.

1Pet.4.5

They're the ones who will be called on the carpet--and before God himself.

1Pet.4.5

But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1Pet.4.5

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1Pet.4.5

But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

1Pet.4.6

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.

1Pet.4.6

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

1Pet.4.6

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

1Pet.4.6

That is why the Good News was preached even to those who have died--so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in the spirit as God does.

1Pet.4.7

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer.

1Pet.4.7

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

1Pet.4.7

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

1Pet.4.7

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.

1Pet.4.8

Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.

1Pet.4.8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1Pet.4.8

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

1Pet.4.8

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

1Pet.4.9

Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless--cheerfully.

1Pet.4.9

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1Pet.4.9

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

1Pet.4.9

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

1Pet.4.10

Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:

1Pet.4.10

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

1Pet.4.10

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1Pet.4.10

God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.

1Pet.4.11

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!

1Pet.4.11

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1Pet.4.11

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1Pet.4.11

Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

1Pet.4.12

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.

1Pet.4.12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

1Pet.4.12

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

1Pet.4.12

Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

1Pet.4.13

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.

1Pet.4.13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1Pet.4.13

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1Pet.4.13

Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.

1Pet.4.14

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.

1Pet.4.14

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1Pet.4.14

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

1Pet.4.14

Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you.

1Pet.4.15

If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter.

1Pet.4.15

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

1Pet.4.15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.

1Pet.4.15

If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs.

1Pet.4.16

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!

1Pet.4.16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

1Pet.4.16

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

1Pet.4.16

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!

1Pet.4.17

It's judgment time for Christians. 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!

1Pet.4.17

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

1Pet.4.17

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

1Pet.4.17

For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children. And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God's Good News?

1Pet.4.18

If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad?

1Pet.4.18

And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

1Pet.4.18

Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

1Pet.4.18

And "If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless and sinners have?"

1Pet.4.19

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.

1Pet.4.19

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1Pet.4.19

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1Pet.4.19

So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.