The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
6 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.
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Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
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Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.
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Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.
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And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11 He gets the last word; yes, he does.
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To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
12 I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him. I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
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With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 The church in exile here with me - but not for a moment forgotten by God - wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello.
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She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you - to all who walk in Christ's ways.
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Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.