4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath
suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the
flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
4:3 For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have
wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings,
and abominable idolatries:
4:4 In which they think it strange that ye run not with [them]
to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:
4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the
living and the dead.
4:6 For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them
that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in
the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober,
and watch to prayer.
4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:
for charity will cover a multitude of sins.
4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
4:10 As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the
same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God.
4:11 If any man speaketh [let him speak] as the oracles of God;
if any man ministereth [let him do it] as of the ability which
God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through
Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.
4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to
you:
4:13 But rejoice, seeing ye are partakers of Christ's
sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be
glad also with exceeding joy.
4:14 If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are
ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On
their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is
glorified.
4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief,
or [as] an evil-doer, or as a busy-body in other men's matters.
4:16 Yet if [any man suffereth] as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
4:17 For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the
house of God: and if [it] first [beginneth] at us, what will
[be] the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?
4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where will the
ungodly and the sinner appear?
4:19 Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of
God, commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well-doing,
as to a faithful Creator.
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