Young's Literal Translation YLT
The Message Bible MSG
1 Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, ye also with the same mind arm yourselves, because he who did suffer in the flesh hath done with sin,
1
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 no more in the desires of men, but in the will of God, to live the rest of the time in the flesh;
2
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 sufficient to us [is] the past time of life the will of the nations to have wrought, having walked in lasciviousnesses, desires, excesses of wines, revelings, drinking-bouts, and unlawful idolatries,
3
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 in which they think it strange -- your not running with them to the same excess of dissoluteness, speaking evil,
4
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 who shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge living and dead,
5
They're the ones who will be called on the carpet - and before God himself.
6 for for this also to dead men was good news proclaimed, that they may be judged, indeed, according to men in the flesh, and may live according to God in the spirit.
6
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 And of all things the end hath come nigh; be sober-minded, then, and watch unto the prayers,
7
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer.
8 and, before all things, to one another having the earnest love, because the love shall cover a multitude of sins;
8
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
9 hospitable to one another, without murmuring;
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Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully.
10 each, according as he received a gift, to one another ministering it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;
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Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:
11 if any one doth speak -- `as oracles of God;' if any one doth minister -- `as of the ability which God doth supply;' that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the power -- to the ages of the ages. Amen.
11
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, think it not strange at the fiery suffering among you that is coming to try you, as if a strange thing were happening to you,
12
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.
13 but, according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice ye, that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice -- exulting;
13
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 ye be reproached in the name of Christ -- happy [are ye], because the Spirit of glory and of God upon you doth rest; in regard, indeed, to them, he is evil-spoken of, and in regard to you, he is glorified;
14
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 for let none of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evil-doer, or as an inspector into other men's matters;
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If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter.
16 and if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; and let him glorify God in this respect;
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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 because it is the time of the beginning of the judgment from the house of God, and if first from us, what the end of those disobedient to the good news of God?
17
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 the righteous man is scarcely saved, the ungodly and sinner -- where shall he appear?
18
If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad?
19 so that also those suffering according to the will of god, as to a stedfast Creator, let them commit their own souls in good doing.
19
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.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.
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.