1 Peter 4

Stewards of God's Grace

1 Since therefore z Christ suffered in the flesh, 1 a arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for b whoever has suffered in the flesh c has ceased from sin, 2 d so as to live for e the rest of the time in the flesh f no longer for human passions but g for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past h suffices i for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of j debauchery, and k they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready l to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why m the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 n The end of all things is at hand; therefore o be self-controlled and sober-minded p for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since q love covers a multitude of sins. 9 r Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 s As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, t as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks u oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves v by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything w God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. x To him belong glory and y dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at z the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice a insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad b when his glory is revealed. 14 c If you are insulted d for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory 2 and of God rests upon you. 15 But e let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or f as a meddler. 16 Yet e if anyone suffers as a g Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God d in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment h to begin at the household of God; and i if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who j do not obey the gospel of God?

18 And
k "If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 3

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will l entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

  1. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:18
    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
  2. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:13
    Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
  3. Cross References
    Romans 6:2
    By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
    Romans 6:7
    For one who has died has been set free from sin.
    Galatians 5:24
    And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
    Colossians 3:3
    For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
    Colossians 3:5
    Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
  4. Cross References
    2 Peter 2:14
    They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!
  5. Cross References
    Romans 6:14
    For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
    Romans 14:7
    For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
    2 Corinthians 5:15
    And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
  6. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:14
    As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.
  7. Cross References
    Titus 2:12
    Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
    1 John 2:16
    For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 6:11
    So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
  9. Cross References
    Ezekiel 44:6
    And say to the rebellious house, to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God : O house of Israel, enough of all your abominations.
    Ezekiel 45:9
    Thus says the Lord God : Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness. Cease your evictions of my people, declares the Lord God.
    Acts 17:30
    The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
  10. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:17 - 19
    Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
    1 Thessalonians 4:5
    Not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
    1 Corinthians 12:2
    You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.
  11. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:18
    And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
  12. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:12
    Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
    1 Peter 3:16
    Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
  13. Cross References
    James 5:9
    Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
    Acts 10:42
    And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
  14. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:19
    In which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.
  15. Cross References
    James 5:8
    You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
  16. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:13
    Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 26:41
    Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
    Luke 21:36
    But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
  18. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 13:5 - 6
    Or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.
    James 5:20
    Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
  19. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:2
    Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
    1 Timothy 3:2
    Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
    Titus 1:8
    But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
  20. Cross References
    Romans 12:6 - 7
    Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
    1 Corinthians 4:7
    For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
    Matthew 25:15
    To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
  21. Cross References
    Luke 12:42
    And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
    1 Corinthians 4:1 - 2
    This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
    Titus 1:7
    For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.
  22. Cross References
    Acts 7:38
    This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
    Romans 3:2
    Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
    Hebrews 5:12
    For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food.
  23. Cross References
    Romans 12:3
    For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
  24. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 10:31
    So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
  25. Cross References
    Romans 11:36
    For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
  26. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:11
    To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    Jude 1:25
    To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
    Revelation 1:6
    And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    Revelation 5:13
    And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!
  27. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:7
    So that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
  28. Cross References
    Philippians 3:10 - 11
    That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
    Acts 5:41
    Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
  29. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:5 - 7
    Who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
    1 Peter 5:1
    So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
    Romans 8:17 - 18
    And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
    Jude 1:24
    Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.
  30. Cross References
    Psalms 89:51
    With which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
    Matthew 5:11
    Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
  31. Cross References
    John 15:21
    But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
    Hebrews 11:26
    He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
  32. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:19 - 20
    For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
    1 Peter 3:14
    But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.
    1 Peter 3:17
    For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
  33. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 4:11
    And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.
    2 Thessalonians 3:11
    For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
    1 Timothy 5:13
    Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
  34. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:15
    But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 26:28
    And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?
  36. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:14
    If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
  37. Cross References
    Jeremiah 25:29
    For behold, I begin to work disaster at the city that is called by my name, and shall you go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the Lord of hosts.
    Ezekiel 9:6
    Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were before the house.
    Amos 3:2
    You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
    Romans 2:9
    There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek.
  38. Cross References
    Luke 23:31
    For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?
  39. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 1:8
    In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
  40. Cross References
    Proverbs 11:31
    If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
  41. Cross References
    Psalms 31:5
    Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
    Luke 23:46
    Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.
    Psalms 10:14
    But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.
    2 Timothy 1:12
    Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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