Change Your Lives

4 [^LTherefore] Since Christ suffered while he was in his ·body [^Tflesh], ·strengthen [arm] yourselves with the same ·way of thinking Christ had [intention; attitude; resolve]. [^LBecause] The person who has suffered in the ·body [^Tflesh] ·is finished with sin [or has broken from the power of sin]. ² ·Strengthen [Arm] yourselves so that you will live ·here on earth [^Lthe rest of the time in the flesh] doing ·what God wants [the will of God], ·not the evil things people want [or not pursuing your own human desires]. ³ ·In the past you wasted too much time [or For you have spent enough time in the past] doing what ·nonbelievers [Gentiles; pagans] enjoy. You were guilty of sexual sins, evil desires, drunkenness, wild and drunken parties, and ·hateful [lawless; detestable] idol worship. ⁴ ·Nonbelievers [The Gentiles/pagans] think it is ·strange [surprising] that you do not ·do the many wild and wasteful things they do [^Lrun with them into the same flood/excess of debauchery], so they ·insult you [abuse/slander you; or blaspheme]. ⁵ But they will have to ·explain [^Tgive account of] this to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this reason the ·Good News [Gospel] was preached to those who are now dead. Even though they were judged ·like all people [^Laccording to human beings in the flesh], the Good News was preached to them so they could live ·in the spirit as God lives [or in the Spirit as God lives; ^Laccording to God in the spirit/Spirit; ^Cthough Christians will die physically, because of the Good News they will live forever with God].

Use God’s Gifts Wisely

⁷ The ·time is near when all things will end [^Tend of all things is near]. So ·think clearly [be serious/alert] and ·control [discipline] yourselves so you will be able to pray. ⁸ Most importantly, love each other ·deeply [earnestly], because love ·will cause people to forgive each other for many sins [^Lcovers a multitude of sins; Prov. 10:12; Luke 7:46–47]. ⁹ ·Open your homes [Be hospitable] to each other, without ·complaining [grumbling]. ¹⁰ Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good ·servants [stewards; managers] of God’s various gifts of grace [Rom. 5:15–16; 6:23]. ¹¹ Anyone who speaks should speak ·words from God [or oracles from God; or as one bringing God’s message]. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be ·praised [glorified] through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him forever and ever [Col. 3:17]. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² ·My friends [Beloved], do not be surprised at the ·terrible trouble [fiery ordeal; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:1–3] which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. ¹³ But ·be happy [rejoice] that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will ·be happy and full of joy [^Lrejoice exulting/joyously] ·when Christ comes again in glory [^Lat the revelation of his glory]. ¹⁴ When people ·insult [ridicule] you ·because you follow Christ [^Lfor the name of Christ], you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, ·is with [rests on] you [Is. 11:1–2]. ¹⁵ Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor ·because you trouble other people [as a meddler/troublemaker]. ¹⁶ But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. ·Praise [Glorify] God ·because you wear that name [or because you are called by his name; ^Lin that name]. ¹⁷ [^LFor] It is time for judgment to begin with ·God’s family [^Tthe household of God; 2:4–5]. And if that judging begins with us, what will ·happen to [^Lbe the end for] those people who do not obey the ·Good News [Gospel] of God?

¹⁹ So those who suffer ·as God wants [or because God has allowed it; ^Laccording to the will of God] should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is ·right [good].