Instructions to Elders
(1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders 1among you: Col 3:3-4Luk 24:482Jn 1:1-15Rom 8:17-18Psa 73:24-251Pe 5:4Rev 1:91Jn 3:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them 2not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; 3 not out of greed, but out of eagerness; Tit 1:71Ti 3:8Act 20:26-28Tit 3:11Ti 3:31Co 9:7Ezk 34:2-31Co 9:16-17 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 2Th 3:9Ezk 34:4Php 3:172Co 1:24Mat 20:25-261Ti 4:12Tit 2:7Act 20:28 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Jas 1:121Co 9:25Isa 40:112Ti 4:81Jn 3:2Psa 23:1Rev 2:10Rev 3:11
Cast Your Cares on Him
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, Jas 4:6Pro 3:34Eph 5:21Rom 12:10Col 3:12Php 2:3Isa 66:2Rom 13:14
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.” 4
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Jas 4:10Luk 14:11Pro 29:23Mat 23:12Luk 18:142Ch 32:26Luk 1:522Ch 12:12 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Psa 55:22Php 4:6Psa 37:5Psa 56:3-4Mat 6:25-26Mat 6:33-34Heb 13:5-6Psa 34:15
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Eph 6:11Jas 4:7Eph 4:27Job 2:21Pe 1:131Pe 4:71Jn 3:8-101Th 5:6-8 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. Jas 4:7Act 14:22Eph 6:11-131Pe 2:211Co 10:131Ti 6:122Ti 3:12Eph 6:16
Benediction and Farewell
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, 5 will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. 2Co 4:172Th 3:31Pe 1:6-7Jud 1:24Psa 138:71Ti 6:122Th 2:17Rom 8:28-30 To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. 1Pe 4:11Rom 11:36Rev 1:6Rev 5:13
Through Silvanus, 6 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 firm in it. Heb 13:22Act 11:231Co 15:12Co 1:19Act 20:241Th 1:12Th 1:11Jn 5:9-10
The church in Babylon, 7 chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. Act 12:12Act 12:25Psa 87:4Rev 18:22Jn 1:13Rev 17:5
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Rom 16:16Eph 6:23Rom 8:11Co 16:20Rom 1:71Th 5:262Co 13:12Jhn 14:27
Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 8