Instruction to leaders1-2I appeal to my fellow elders among you, as one who witnessed Christ's sufferings and will also share in His glory that is to be revealed: Be good shepherds of God's sheep, those He places under your care. Serve them as those called to oversee their lives. Do this not as a duty but because you really want to fulfil God's purpose for you. Be eager to serve the people and do not be concerned about the financial rewards. You serve out of love for the people, not love of money!3You are not to be authoritarian in your attitudes, suppressing those God has entrusted to you. Rather, you are to be examples to the flock as to how to please God.4And when the Chief Shepherd returns you will receive your reward, the eternal crown of His glory.Instruction to younger men5The young men among you must be submissive to those who are older. All of you are to clothe yourselves with humility towards each other because, "God opposes proud people, but gives His grace freely to the humble."6All of you are to humble yourselves under God's mighty hand of authority, so that in His time He will lift you up to be with Him.7Because He is so concerned about you, He wants you to lay all your problems, troubles and anxieties on Him.8Keep firm control of yourselves so that you do not live to please your natural, sinful desires. And be constantly aware that your enemy the devil is always prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for those he can devour.9Resist him firmly because your faith gives you the power to do so. Your brothers in other parts of the world are experiencing the same kinds of trials that you have to face.10However, God pours all His grace upon you because He has called you to know His glory eternally through your unity with Christ. Yes, you will have to suffer and face the cost of obedience to Him first; but He Himself will restore and keep you strong, firm in your faith and steadfast in your obedience.11To Him alone belongs power for all eternity. Amen! It shall be so!Final Greeting12I have only written to you briefly with the help of my dear and faithful brother, Silas. My purpose has been to encourage you and to remind you of the grace that God has truly given you to enable you to stand firm in the face of all adversity and opposition.13The sister who lives in Rome, this 'Babylon', who like you has been chosen to belong to Christ, sends her greetings, as does my son, Mark. Greet one another in the love of Christ. And may His peace be imparted to all of you who are one with Him.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)