1 Peter Chapter 4

Good News Presented to the Dead

¹ Christ suffered; so arm yourselves with the attitude he took, because suffering purifies from sin. ² You won’t be living the rest of your life by human desires, but by God’s will. ³ You spent enough time following the pattern of life the Gentiles carry on: a lifestyle of sensuality, lust, drunkenness, revelry, drunken parties, disgusting idolatry. ⁴ They’re surprised that you don’t run with them in that excessive, reckless living; and they slander you for it. ⁵ They’ll give account to the One who’s set to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ In that connection, the good news was presented even to the dead so they’d be judged like the living who live according to God in the spirit.  

1 Pet 4:1-6

Living with Christ’s Return in Mind

⁷ The end is close. Be sensible and serious in prayer. ⁸ Especially, have ongoing love toward each other because love covers lots of sins. ⁹ Be hospitable toward each other without grudges. ¹⁰ Each of you needs to minister your gift to the others as good stewards of the grace God has shown in these different ways. If it’s speaking, speak as if God himself is speaking. ¹¹ If it’s serving, do it wholeheartedly. That way you’ll praise God through Christ. Glory and dominion belong to him forevermore. Amen.                       

1 Pet 4:7-11

Nothing Surprising About Suffering

            ¹² Don’t be surprised at the fiery trial that’s testing you, as if something strange is happening. ¹³ Instead, to the extent that you’re sharing Christ’s sufferings, be happy so you can be really happy when he appears in his glory. ¹⁴ If people dishonor you because of him, you’re blessed; God’s Spirit and honor rest on you. ¹⁵ Don’t suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer, intruder in other people’s business. ¹⁶ If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed; praise God in that name. ¹⁷ It’s time to judge God’s family. If judgment begins with us, what’s going to happen to people that disbelieve God’s good news?

            ¹⁸ “If good people are barely saved,

                        where will godless people come in?” [Pro 11:31 LXX]

¹⁹ So you that suffer according to God’s will, entrust yourselves to the faithful creator by continuing to do what’s right.                   

1 Pet 4:12-19