Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[a](A) because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand^(B) what the Lord’s will^(C) is. ¹⁸ And don’t get drunk^(D) with wine,^(E) which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:^{(F) 19} speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.^(G)

About the Elders

5 I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness^(A) to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:^{(B) 2} Shepherd God’s flock among you,^(C) not overseeing^[a] out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you;^[b] not out of greed for money but eagerly; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd^(D) appears, you will receive the unfading crown^(E) of glory. ⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with^[c] humility toward one another, because

Conclusion

⁶ Humble^(G) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(H) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^{(I) 8} Be sober-minded,^(J) be alert.^(K) Your adversary the devil^(L) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(M) firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

³ “I will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands where I have banished them,^(A) and I will return them to their grazing land. They will become fruitful and numerous.^{(B) 4} I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them.^(C) They will no longer be afraid or discouraged, nor will any be missing.”^(D) This is the Lord’s declaration.