1 Peter 4:11

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

If someone’s gift is speaking, he should [be sure to] say only what God wants him to. If a person’s gift is serving, he should do so by the strength provided by God [who supplies all such gifts]. This is so that, in using all gifts, God may be honored through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs honor and power forever and ever. May it be so.

Cross References

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you people eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to honor God.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be [spiritually] strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1 Peter 4:10

As each of you has received a gift [from God], you should make use of it [in the body], so that you will be [good] caretakers of the many unearned ways that God favors you.

Acts 7:38

This is the man who was with our forefathers and with the assembly [of Hebrews] in the wilderness [after] the angel had spoken to him at Mt. Sinai. He [is the one] who received the living messages [from God at Mt. Sinai] and gave them to us.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

Romans 3:2

Much in every way! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the messages of God [i.e., their prophets received divine revelations].

James 1:19

You people [already] know this [or, “you should know this”], my dearly loved brothers. However, every person should be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow in becoming angry.

Colossians 4:6

Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are a variety of [spiritual] gifts, but [they are given by] the same Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 2:5

And you yourselves are also like living stones, being constructed into a spiritual house. For you are like holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:25

[May these qualities be attributed] to the only God and our Savior, through [the person and work of] Jesus Christ our Lord, before [the beginning of] time [as well as] now and forever. May it be so.

Hebrews 5:12

For certainly enough time has elapsed so that [by now] you ought to be teachers, [but instead] you are in need of having someone teach you again the basic principles of God’s message. You have become people who need “milk” and not “solid food.” [Note: The fundamental truths of Christianity are here figuratively spoken of as “milk,” while the more advanced teaching, such as Christ’s priesthood being like Melchizedek’s, is called “solid food”].

1 Timothy 6:16

He alone possesses immortality [Note: That is, only God possesses an eternal existence, with neither beginning nor ending. See John 5:26], and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen Him, or can see Him. May there be honor and never ending power to Him. May it be so.

1 Timothy 1:17

Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

1 Corinthians 3:10

Using the unearned favor shown to me by God [Note: Paul here probably refers to his apostleship and its attending spiritual gifts], as an expert building contractor, I laid the foundation [i.e., in starting the Corinthian church], and someone else is building on it [i.e., Apollos. See verse 6].

Matthew 6:13

And do not allow us to fall under temptation, but deliver us from [being harmed by] the evil one.’

1 Peter 5:11

May God have total authority over everything [including your circumstances] forever. May it be so.

James 1:26

If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, this person is self-deceived and his religion is worthless.

Philippians 2:11

and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ephesians 5:20

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:20

for you were bought [by God] for a price. So, honor God with your [physical] body.

Romans 11:36

For everything was created by Him, exists through His [power] and is intended for His [glory]. May He be praised forever. May it be so.

Philippians 1:11

having been full of qualities of righteousness, which come from Jesus Christ and produce honor and praise to God.

2 Corinthians 9:13

Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.

Romans 16:27

Now may there be glory for ever, through Jesus Christ, to the only wise God, who is able to make you stand firm [in the faith], according to the good news and proclamation of Jesus Christ. This message is the secret which was [eventually] revealed, after having been concealed for long ages. It is now being made known through the writings of the prophets, as commanded by the eternal God, to [people of] all the nations, in order to bring about their obedience to the faith [i.e., so they will believe and obey the truth]. May it be so.

John 13:31

Then after Judas left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of man is [being] glorified [Note: Being “glorified” involved Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The first step of this had now begun]. And God is [being] glorified through the Son’s life.

Romans 12:3

And because of God’s unearned favor shown to me [i.e., in appointing me to be an apostle], I am telling every person among you not to think he is more important than he really is. Instead, he should have a sensible estimate [of his gifts] in harmony with the degree of faith God has given to each person.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we [apostles] are not like so many people, who “peddle” God’s message merely for profit [or, “who corrupt God’s message”], but in Christ’s [service] we proclaim the message from God with sincerity, [realizing we are] in the presence of God.

Ephesians 1:19

and what God’s tremendous power [working] in us believers is. [This power is] the same as that utilized by God’s mighty strength,

1 Thessalonians 2:4

Instead, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. So, we speak, not trying to please people but God, who examines [the motives of] our hearts.

Titus 2:1

But you should speak those things which agree with sound teaching:

Titus 2:15

You should teach these things and exhort and rebuke people with full authority. Do not let anyone look down on you. [See note on I Tim. 4:12].

Hebrews 13:7

Remember your leaders who told you God’s message. [Note: This probably refers to former preachers who had since died]. Consider the outcome of the way they lived and imitate their faith.

1 Peter 2:12

You should live such good lives before [unconverted] Gentiles, so that even though they accuse you of being evildoers, by seeing your good deeds, they will [be led to] honor God [for you] on the day He visits us again [i.e., to bring judgment].

1 Peter 4:16

But if a person should have to suffer because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed [of it], but instead, he should bring honor to God by [wearing] the name [of Christ].