CHAPTER 4
Therefore, since
Christ
suffered
in His body,
arm yourselves with
the
same
resolve,
because
anyone who
has suffered
in his body
is done with
sin.
Consequently,
he does not live out
his
remaining
time
on earth
for human
passions,
but
for the will
of God.
For
you have spent enough
time
in the past
carrying out
the same
desires
as the
pagans:
living
in
debauchery,
lust,
drunkenness,
orgies,
carousing,
and
detestable
idolatry.
Because of
this,
they consider it strange
of you
not
to plunge with them
into
the
same
flood
of reckless indiscretion,
and they heap abuse on you.
That is why
the gospel was preached
even
to those who are now dead,
so that
they might be judged
as
men
in the flesh,
but
live
according to
God
in the spirit.
As
good
stewards
of the manifold
grace
of God,
each of you
should use
whatever
gift
he has received
to serve
one another.
If
anyone
speaks,
he should speak as
one conveying the words of God.
If
anyone
serves,
he should serve
with
the strength
God
supplies,
so that
in
all things
God
may be glorified
through
Jesus
Christ,
to whom
be
the
glory
and
the
power
forever
and
ever.
Amen.
Beloved,
do not
be surprised at
the
fiery
trial
that has come
upon
you,
as though
something strange
were happening
to you.
But
rejoice
that
you share
in the
sufferings
of Christ,
so that
you may be overjoyed
at
the
revelation
of
His
glory.
If
you are insulted
for
the name
of Christ,
you are blessed,
because
the
Spirit
of glory
and
of God
rests
on
you.
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
disobey
the
gospel
of God?
And,
“If
it is hard for
the
righteous
to be saved,
what
will become of
the
ungodly
and
the sinner?”
So then,
those who
suffer
according to
God’s
will
should entrust
their
souls
to their faithful
Creator
and continue
to do good.