New International Version NIV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
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Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.
2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
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Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
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You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good.
4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
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Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them.
5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
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They're the ones who will be called on the carpet - and before God himself.
6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
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Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
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Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer.
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
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Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
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Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully.
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
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Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
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if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything - encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
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Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
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Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
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If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others.
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
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If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
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But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
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It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message!
18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
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If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad?
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
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So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
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.
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.