004:006 For it is with this end in view that the Good News was
proclaimed even to some who were dead, that they may be judged,
as all mankind will be judged, in the body, but may be living
a godly life in the spirit.
004:007 But the end of all things is now close at hand:
therefore be sober-minded and temperate, so that you may give
yourselves to prayer.
004:008 Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love
throws a veil over a multitude of faults.
004:009 Extend ungrudging hospitality towards one another.
004:010 Whatever be the gifts which each has received, you must
use them for one another's benefit, as good stewards of
God's many-sided kindness.
004:011 If any one preaches, let it be as uttering God's truth;
if any one renders a service to others, let it be in the strength
which God supplies; so that in everything glory may be given
to God in the name of Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory
and the might to the Ages of the Ages. Amen.
004:012 Dear friends, do not be surprised at finding that that scorching
flame of persecution is raging among you to put you to the test--
as though some surprising thing were accidentally happening to you.
004:013 On the contrary, in the degree that you share in the sufferings
of the Christ, rejoice, so that at the unveiling of His glory
you may also rejoice with triumphant gladness.
004:014 You are to be envied, if you are being reproached for bearing
the name of Christ; for in that case the Spirit of glory--
even the Spirit of God--is resting upon you.
004:015 But let not one of you suffer as a murderer or a thief
or an evil-doer, or as a spy upon other people's business.
004:016 If, however, any one suffers because he is a Christian,