Montgomery - I Peter - 4

4:1  Since, then, Christ suffered in the flesh, do you also ever arm yourselves with the same mind (because he who has suffered in the flesh has done with sin),

4:2  so that in future you may not spend your life in the flesh according to men’s desires, but in the will of God.

4:3  For the time past of life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we spent our life in lasciviousness, lusts, hard drinking, revelry, banqueting, and abominable idol worship.

4:4  They are astonished at this, that you do not run into the same excesses of profligacy as they do; and they speak evil of you.

4:5  But they must render account to Him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

4:6  The gospel was preached for this cause to those who were dead also, that they might be judged according to men in flesh, but live according to God in spirit.

4:7  But the end of all things is close at hand; so be sober, watch and pray.

4:8  Above everything have fervent love to one another; for love veils a multitude of sins.

4:9  Be hospitable to one another, without grudging.

4:10  Whatever the gifts which each has received, use them for one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

4:11  If any one preaches, let him always preach as one who utters God’s truth; if any one serves another, let it be with the strength which God supplies; so that in every way God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.

4:12  Do not think it strange, beloved, that a fiery ordeal has come to test you, as though some surprising thing had befallen you.

4:13  But be glad in the degree in which you share in the sufferings of Christ; so that when his glory shall be revealed, you too may be glad with triumphant gladness.

4:14  If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the spirit of glory and of God is resting upon you.

4:15  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a spy upon other people’s business.

4:16  But if any man is suffering as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him ever glorify God in this Name.

4:17  It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it first begin with us, what shall be the end of those who are disobedient to the gospel?

4:18  If the righteous man is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

4:19  So let those who are suffering according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.