Serve God Willingly
1 Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed:
2 shepherdandguideandprotect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according tothe will ofGod; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm;
3 not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation].
4 And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud[the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them],butHe gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,
7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alertandcautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, be firm inyourfaith [against his attack–rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to Hisowneternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].
11 To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.
12 BySilvanus, our faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly, to counsel and testify that this is the true grace [the undeserved favor] of God. Stand firm in it!
13 She [the church] who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, andso doesmy son [in the faith], Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
To all of you who are in Christ, may there be peace.