Armed for the Father's Will
Old friends are offended when you stop joining them, and Peter says expect that. He tells readers to be clear-minded, hospitable without grumbling, and to use whatever gift they have. Fiery trials are not strange — judgment begins with our Father's own household.
4 1So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves too with the same mindset: whoever suffers in the flesh is done with sin. 2So you no longer spend your remaining time in the flesh for human cravings, but for the will of our Father. 3You've already spent enough time doing what those who don't know the Father want: living in sensuality, lust, drunkenness, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idol worship. 4They're surprised you no longer run with them into the same flood of wild living, so they insult you for it. 5But they will answer to the one ready to judge the living and the dead. 6This is why the gospel was preached even to those now dead: judged in the flesh as all people are, but they may live in the spirit as our Father does.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, keep loving one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each of you, use whatever gift you've received to serve others, as good stewards of our Father's varied grace. 11Whoever speaks should speak as one delivering the very words of our Father. Whoever serves should serve by the strength he supplies, so that in everything he may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering in the Father's Name
12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trial testing you, as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, rejoice as much as you share Christ's suffering, so you may also rejoice with joy when his glory is revealed. 14If insulted for Christ's name, you're blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of our Father rests on you. 15None of you should suffer as a murderer, thief, criminal, or meddler in others' affairs. 16But if you suffer as a Christian, don't be ashamed, but praise our Father that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of our Father; if it starts with us, what awaits those who disobey the good news of our Father? 18And, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinner?" 19So then, those who suffer by our Father's will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator, doing good.
