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Hope in Babylon, Week Eight

So I exhort the elders among you,\\xa0as a fellow elder and\\xa0a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you. Exercising oversight,\\xa0not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;\\xa0not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but\\xa0being examples to the flock. And when\\xa0the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading\\xa0crown of glory.

1. Responsibility

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.\\xa0Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for\\xa0\\u201cGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.\\u201d Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because\\xa0he cares for you.

2. Humility

Be sober-minded;\\xa0be watchful. Your\\xa0adversary the devil\\xa0prowls around\\xa0like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him,\\xa0firm in your faith, knowing that\\xa0the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

3. Vigilance

And\\xa0after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,\\xa0who has called you to his\\xa0eternal glory in Christ, will himself\\xa0restore,\\xa0confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

4. Hopefulness

By\\xa0Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him,\\xa0I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is\\xa0the true grace of God.\\xa0Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does\\xa0Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:1-13 (ESV)

5. Peace