New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin),
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So that as Jesus was put to death in the flesh, do you yourselves be of the same mind; for the death of the flesh puts an end to sin;
2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.
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So that you may give the rest of your lives in the flesh, not to the desires of men, but to the purpose of God.
3 You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
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Because for long enough, in times past, we have been living after the way of the Gentiles, given up to the desires of the flesh, to drinking and feasting and loose behaviour and unclean worship of images;
4 They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.
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And they are wondering that you no longer go with them in this violent wasting of life, and are saying evil things of you:
5 But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.
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But they will have to give an account of themselves to him who is ready to be the judge of the living and the dead.
6 For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
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For this was the reason why the good news of Jesus was given even to the dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but might be living before God in the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.
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But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and keep on the watch with prayer;
8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.
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And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number:
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
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Keep open house for all with a glad heart;
10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
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Making distribution among one another of whatever has been given to you, like true servants of the unmeasured grace of God;
11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
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If anyone has anything to say, let it be as the words of God; if anyone has the desire to be the servant of others, let him do it in the strength which is given by God; so that in all things God may have the glory through Jesus Christ, whose are the glory and the power for ever.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
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Dear brothers, do not be surprised, as if it was something strange, if your faith is tested as by fire:
13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.
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But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
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If men say evil things of you because of the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.
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Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's business;
16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.
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But if he undergoes punishment as a Christian, that is no shame to him; let him give glory to God in this name.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
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For the time has come for the judging, starting with the church of God; but if it makes a start with us, what will be the end of those who are not under the rule of God?
18 And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?"
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And if it is hard for even the good man to get salvation, what chance has the man without religion or the sinner?
19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
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For this reason let those who by the purpose of God undergo punishment, keep on in well-doing and put their souls into the safe hands of their Maker.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.