Living for God: Love, Service, and Stewardship of Gifts
1 Peter 4:1-11
1Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same thought, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.2so as no longer to live the remaining time in the flesh according to human desires, but according to the will of God.3For the time that has passed is sufficient for the plan of the Gentiles to have been carried out by those who have lived in debaucheries, desires, drunkennesses, orgies, carousings, and unlawful idolatries.4In this they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same outpouring of debauchery, and they blaspheme.5They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.6For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, so that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but might live according to God in the spirit.7The end of all things has drawn near; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace.11Whoever speaks, let it be as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, let it be as one who serves by the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.