Christ’s Example to Be Followed.
Therefore, since Christ suffered [a]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
4:2that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
4:3For we have spent enough of our past [b]lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
4:4In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
4:5They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.4:6For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
4:7But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
4:8And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”4:9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
4:10As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.4:11
Christ’s Example to Be Followed.
Psalms 17:1-15 (KJV) Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.