1 Peter 5:8-11
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
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. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Be alert and of sober mind
- In the previous verse Peter had encouraged the believers not to be anxious, but to cast all their anxieties on the Lord.
- Now he tells them to be alert, so they can recognize the attacks of the devil.
- Is it easier to be alert and of sober mind when you are anxious, or when you are calm?
Your enemy the devil
- Is the devil real? Should we take him seriously?
- What was Jesus’ attitude towards the devil and demons? See Matthew 12:26
prowls around like a roaring lion
- See Revelation 5:5
- Which lion deserves greater respect?
Looking for someone to devour
- What are some of the ways in which Satan and his demons attempt to devour people?
Resist him
- Why do we need to resist the devil?
- How do we resist the devil? See James 4:7-8.
the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings
- How should this fact affect our motivation in resisting the devil?
after you have suffered a little while, [God ] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast
- What difference does this promise make to you?
- How does suffering play a role in making us strong, firm and steadfast?
1 Peter 5:12-14
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.
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
the true grace of God
- Why do you think Peter mentioned this?
- What contrary messages might he have had in mind?
stand fast in it
Rick Joyner: “The first rule of spiritual warfare is to not quit”
Reflection
What themes have stood out for you in our study of 1 Peter?
