1 Peter Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of 1 Peter encourages believers that since Christ suffered in the flesh, we should also expect it. Our suffering makes us more like Christ. As believers, we are not to live like the world does but in a way that brings glory to God. Since the end of all things is near, we are to have sound judgment and a sober spirit for the purpose of prayer (v. 7). We also are to love one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (v. 8). We are to be hospitable without complaining (v. 9), and then use our gifts of speech or service, which God gave us, to use them to bring Him glory. We also should live our lives here on this earth in such a way that when Jesus comes again we should not be ashamed of how we lived our lives, but we should be rejoicing. As believers in the midst of suffering, we are to entrust our souls to a faithful Creator (v. 19), just like Jesus did when He suffered and died on the cross for us (2:23).