The gospel was preached to dead people
4:1-6
1
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath
ceased from sin;
2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of
the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine,
revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess
of riot, speaking evil of you:
5
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the
dead.
6For this cause was the gospel preached also to them
that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
The gospel was preached to dead people. [1]
The end of the world is coming soon
4:7
7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
The end of the world is coming soon. [2]
Love covers a multitude of sins
4:8-16
8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
Above all things, love one another.
Because love covers a multitude of sins.
9Use hospitality one to another
without grudging.
10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.
12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try
you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit
of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of,
but on your part he is glorified.
Be hospitable, without complaining.
15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him
glorify God on this behalf.
Don't murder, steal, be a busybody,
or do any other kind of evil to each other.
It'll be hell for nonbelievers
4:17-19
17
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if
it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel
of God?
If we misbehave, we'll be punished.
But it'll be much worse for nonbelievers! [3]
18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?
19
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
If righteous people are just barely saved,
what will happen to the ungodly?
Every Jot and Tittle: All the commandments in the Bible