[2] Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

[4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

[5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

[6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

[7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

[8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[9] But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

[10] Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

[11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

[14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

[15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

[16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

[17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

[18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

[19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 5

[1] To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

[2] Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

[3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

[4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

[5] Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

[8] Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

[9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

[10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

[11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

[12] With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

[13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

[14] Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

[2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

[3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

[4] They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

[5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

[6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

[7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

[8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

[9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

[10] Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

[11] If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

[11] trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

[12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

[13] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

[14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

[15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

[16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

[17] Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

[18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

[19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

[20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

[21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

[23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

[24] For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

[25] but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.