Elect Exiles in Spiritual Conflict

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 5:8-11.

[Scripture introduction] In the fifth chapter of Peter’s first letter, the Apostles writes to the dispersed exiles who are scattered among the Near-Eastern world to awaken themselves spiritually for the warfare that lies ahead of them.

[Reannounce and read text] Please turn with me Peter’s address concerning the heart and attitudes of the those who are elders and congregational members in 1 Peter 5:1-7. Please stand with me for the reading of the Word.

Please turn with me to Peter’s exhortation concerning the spiritual conflict of the elect exiles of the faith in 1 Peter 5:8-11. If you are able, please rise for the reading of the Word of God.

[Prayer for illumination] Almighty God, we ask for your spiritual guidance. Bless us, and let your word richly indwell in our hearts, so that we will live for your glory forever. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

[Introduction] All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is a powerful novel that follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier, during World War I. The story captures the brutal realities of trench warfare and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. Paul and his comrades experience constant fear, loss, and disillusionment as they face the horrors of battle. The novel portrays the futility of war, stripping away its perceived glory, and emphasizes the deep emotional and physical scars it leaves on those who survive.

The contrast between Paul Bäumer, and us Christians is the nature of the warfare. For the 20th century, solider were shipped out to the middle of perilous territory, far away from home. Only to be surrounded with others likeminded brothers who fought one common enemy.

They live and breathe and move within no man’s land until the war was over.

But what does this have to do with me? Remember who we are…exiled Christians. We are indeed far away from our oasis, and even if you believe it or not. We are living in the trenches of war. The main differences is our enemy is spiritual. As Paul wrote, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

Therefore, as Christians we are embrace the role as a solider marching off to war. But how should we go about this?

[FCF] How should you prepare yourself for the spiritual warfare that lies ahead?

[Scripture bond] Peter in his first letter states how believers are to fight against our adversary and look to the hope of Christ. In Scripture, we see how we are to fight against the spiritual forces of darkness.

It begins by knowing who we are fighting.

[Main point 1] Know Thy Enemy (v.8).

[Explanation] He is the devil our adversary. He is an accuser, deceiver, an slander. The world believes he’s a myth and legend. However, the devil is indeed the author of sin and wages war against the saints.

He consumes, speaks lies, afflicts us with pain and suffering. He is the antitheses of the good, true, and beautiful.

Your enemies not people i.e. political parties, migrants, the rich and powerful, or your neighbors or family members.

You one enemy is Satan.

Know thy enemy and be ready for him. How? By being vigilant and spiritually awake.

[Illustration] 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy (Matthew 26:40-43).

[Application] Your enemy comes and you will not notice him unless your are spiritual aware of our surrounding. Be on guard. Eyes wide open!

After knowing him, we must prepare for warfare by equipping the correct armor on for battle.

[Main Point 2] Equip Yourself for War (v.9).

[Explanation] We fight the devil and his schemes by resisting his temptations and being firm in the faith. He will cause suffering through people, but he is our enemy. We fight him daily by putting on the gifted armor of Christ.

[Illustration] 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication (Ephesians 6:13-18).

[Application] Believe God’s truth, live in Christ’s righteousness, Be at peace with all as it depends on you, continue your faithfulness to God, and trust the Lord fully and be in the Word of God with constant petitions.

This is how we equip ourselves for battle. We don’t show up naked to a fight. We begin our days prepared and ready for the fight that awaits us.

Lastly, we know that if this fight depends on us. We loss. We are no match for Satan. He is wiser, stronger, and more crafty, but we have a God who fights our battle.

So in our spiritual warfare, we fight not alone. But instead… We wait on Him.

[Main Point 3] Wait on God Who Delivers You (vv.10-11).

[Explanation] What is God doing in the moments of spiritual and physical conflict? He is getting you ready for eternity. The proper response in the midst of spiritual warfare is to wait on Christ. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him (Colossians 2:15).

[Illustration] When we are wounded, and struggling. God’s grace is able to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. He is our God who fights our battles. Moses at the Red Sea. Joshua at Jericho, Gideon with 300.

God does the fighting, and his victory is assured though the decisive battle at the cross. Jesus fought against sin, death, and satan where we were helpless and utterly defeated and at his resurrection. He gave us the spoils of victory - the Holy Spirit and Everlasting Life.

[Application] Wait on God’s grace for his kingdom is coming and the war is soon to be over.

Perhaps you can ponder the Christian hymn Be Still and Know That I Am God.

Be still and know that I am God Be still and know that I am God Be still and know that I am God

I am the Lord that healeth thee I am the Lord that healeth thee I am the Lord that healeth thee

In thee, O Lord, I put my trust In thee, O Lord, I put my trust In thee, O Lord, I put my trust

[Conclusion] Know thy enemy, equip yourself for war and wait on the one who delivers you.

[Proposition] We do battle today, knowing Christ’s victory is accomplished.

Satan’s home is no man’s land. Our home is heaven on earth for all eternity. So in light of our warfare remember to live and fight for him who has redeemed you.

We are fighting knowing fully well that the war has already been won. As Peter said, To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:11).