August 4, 2022
Stay Alert
1 Peter 5
Amber Walker
Central Truth
Just because the devil prowls around "like" a roaring lion doesn't mean he possesses the qualities of one. He indeed has power, but he is not omnipotent (ALL-POWERFUL) like our God.
Key Verse | 1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 Peter 5
Shepherd the Flock of God
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, 1 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; 2 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Peter 5
If there is one thing the last couple of years has taught us, it is to STAY ALERT. I'm not a frequent visitor of the national news; it's just not in my rhythm of life to have coffee or tea and turn on CNN. However, since COVID-19 and other national issues have surfaced, I have become more aware and alert to what is going on around me. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter urges the Christians living in Asia Minor to be on the lookout.
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)
We all have a common enemy who is the devil. I love that these verses tell us that the devil prowls around "like" a roaring lion (the keyword is "like"). During Halloween, kids dress up "like" different things. I have seen kids dress up as pirates, policemen, sharks, etc. Even though they dress up "like" these things, it does not mean they possess the qualities of them. And just because the devil prowls around "like" a roaring lion, it does not mean he possesses the qualities of one. Do not get me wrong; the enemy does have power, but let me tell you something, he is not omnipotent (ALL-POWERFUL) like the God of the Bible. So, like 1 Peter 5:9 says, stand firm against your enemy and be strong. Remember, it is not through your power but through the power of God that you are able to stand firm and be strong.
Discussion Questions
1. What's an area in your life that you need to stay alert and watchful?
2. Where in your life do you need to stand firm?