Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice nto the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that owhen His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are 5reproached for the name of Christ, pblessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 6On their part He is blasphemed, qbut on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a 7busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this 8matter.

17 For the time has come rfor judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, swhat will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

t“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God ucommit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Shepherd the Flock

5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a awitness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the bglory that will be revealed: 2 cShepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, dnot by compulsion but 1willingly, enot for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as fbeing 2lords over gthose entrusted to you, but hbeing examples to the flock; 4 and when ithe Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive jthe crown of glory that does not fade away.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, kall of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

l“God resists the proud,

But mgives grace to the humble.”

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be 3sober, be 4vigilant; 5because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But 6may the God of all grace, nwho called 7us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, 8perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 oTo Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.