New Revised Standard NRS
The Message Bible MSG
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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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 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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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 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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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 no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.
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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 an accounting to him who stands 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 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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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 serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.
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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, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers 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 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
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Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully.
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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Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:
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 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 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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Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.
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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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 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 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 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.
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If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter.
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 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 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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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 sinners?"
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If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad?
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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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.
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.
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.