Leading and Living in God’s Flock

5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 5:2 Give a shepherd’s care to1 God’s flock among you, exercising oversight2 not merely as a duty3 but willingly under God’s direction,4 not for shameful profit but eagerly. 5:3 And do not lord it over5 those entrusted to you,6 but be examples to the flock. 5:4 Then7 when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.

5:5 In the same way, you who are younger,8 be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.9 5:6 And God will exalt you in due time,10 if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand11 5:7 by casting12 all your cares13 on him because he cares for you. 5:8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion,14 is on the prowl looking for someone15 to devour. 5:9 Resist him,16 strong in your faith, because you know17 that your brothers and sisters18 throughout the world19 are enduring20 the same kinds of suffering.21 5:10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ22 will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.23 5:11 To him belongs24 the power forever. Amen.