Scripture Readings

Thursday, February 21, 2013

1 Peter 4:12-5:5 (Epistle)

12
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
16
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18
Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
1
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
2
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
3
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
4
and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”