Chapter 4

Since Christ therefore has suffering in the flesh, do you also arm yourselves with the same intent; because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sins;

that during the rest of his time in the flesh he may live no longer according to the lusts of men, but according to the will of God.

For sufficient is the time past for those to have accomplished the desire of the pagans, walking, as they did, in dissipation, lusts, drunkenness, revellings, carousings and unlawful worship of idols.

They are amazed that you do not run with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they abuse you.

But they will render an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

For to this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they may be judged indeed as men in flesh but may live as God lives in spirit. Mutual Charity

But the end of all things is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watchful in prayers.

But above all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves; for charity covers a multitude of sins.

Be hospitable to one another without murmuring.

According to the gift that each has received, administer it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If anyone speaks, let it be with words of God. If anyone ministers, let it be as from the strength that God furnishes; that in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ, to whom are the glory and the dominion forever. Amen. Blessings of Persecution

Beloved, do not be startled at the trial by fire that is taking place among you to prove you, as if something strange were happening to you;

but rejoice, in so far as you are partakers of the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice with exultation in the revelation of his glory.

If you are upbraided for the name of Christ, blessed will you be, because the honor, the glory and the power of God and his Spirit rest upon you.

Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a slanderer, or as one coveting what belongs to others.

But if he suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God under this name.

For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God; but if it begins first with us, what will be the end of those who do not believe the gospel of God?

And if the just man scarcely will be saved, where will the impious and the sinner appear?

Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God commend their souls in well-doing to a faithful Creator.