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1 Peter

Offers hope and instructions for Christians facing suffering and persecution.

Chapter 4

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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;

*Since Christ suffered for us in his body, you should also have the same mindset. Because whoever has suffered in their body has stopped doing wrong things.

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.

*He shouldn't spend the rest of his life doing what people desire, but instead follow God's plan.

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, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

*For the past time in our lives was enough for us to do what non-believers wanted, when we lived a sinful life filled with indulgence, desires, too much drinking, parties, feasts, and terrible worship of false gods.

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

*In which they find it odd that you don't join them in extreme wild behavior, and they criticize you for it.

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

*Who will explain themselves to the one who is prepared to judge those who are alive and those who have died?

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.

*The gospel was shared with those who have passed away so they can be judged based on human actions in their physical lives, but can live following God's ways in their spiritual existence.

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

*The end is near; so stay alert and pray regularly.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

*Above everything else, have deep love for one another. This love will cover many mistakes.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

*Show kindness by welcoming others and sharing without complaining.

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.

*Just like each person has received a special talent, use those talents to help others as responsible caretakers of God's many kinds of grace.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, 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.

*If someone talks, let them speak as something from God; if someone helps, let them do it with the ability God gives. This way, God gets praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Praise and power forever belong to Jesus Christ, amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

*Dear one, don't be surprised by the difficult situation that tests you, as if something unusual had happened.

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

*But be happy because you share in Christ's suffering. This way, when his great glory is shown, you can also be very happy.

14 If ye be 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.

*If you're insulted for believing in Christ, consider it a blessing because God's honoring spirit is with you. They are spoken ill of, but you are praised for your faith.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

*Don't let anyone suffer like a murderer, a thief, an evil person, or someone who meddles in other people's business.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

*Even if someone suffers because they are a Christian, they shouldn't be embarrassed. Instead, they should praise God for it.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

*The time has arrived for judgment to start within God's family. If we are judged, what will happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

*If even good people have a hard time being saved, where will wicked and sinful people go?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

*So, those who go through hard times should trust God to take care of their souls while they do good things, like relying on a reliable maker.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes

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