November 26
1 Pet 4:7-5:14
But the end of all
things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in
prayer. And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for
love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without
grumbling. As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as
good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. If anyone speaks,
let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as
of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and
ever. Amen.
Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to
test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. But because you are
partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his
glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. If you are insulted for the
name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God
rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is
glorified. For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil
doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters. But if one of you suffers for
being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this
matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of
God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey
the Good News of God? “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what
will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let them also who
suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to
him, as to a faithful Creator.
I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be
revealed. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the
oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain,
but willingly; neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making
yourselves examples to the flock. When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you
will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe
yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God
resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks
around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him
steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are
undergoing the same sufferings. But may the God of all grace, who called you
to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To him be the glory
and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to
you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in
which you stand. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets
you; and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace
be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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