Spiritual Warfare (1 Pet. 5:8-10)
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How do we gaurd ourselves against spiritual attacks from the enemy?
How do we gaurd ourselves against spiritual attacks from the enemy?
English Standard Version Chapter 5
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.
Author-The apostle Peter
Author-The apostle Peter
Date- around A.D. 60-64
Date- around A.D. 60-64
Location- most likely written in Rome
Location- most likely written in Rome
Audience- Gentile and Jewish believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, western Asia minor, Bithynia, (scattered Christian communities throughout Rome)
Audience- Gentile and Jewish believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, western Asia minor, Bithynia, (scattered Christian communities throughout Rome)
Theme- Peter gives instructions on Holy living for those suffering persecution. Encourages Christians to maintain high ethical standards and persevere in faith while living in a challenging pagan environment.
Theme- Peter gives instructions on Holy living for those suffering persecution. Encourages Christians to maintain high ethical standards and persevere in faith while living in a challenging pagan environment.
Setting- Christians faced harsh persecution under Roman rule of emperor Nero. Nero allegedly started the great fire of Rome then blamed Christians as scapegoats. Christianity was viewed as a fanatical form of Judaism. Christians were viewed as hostile to society. Christians were viewed as “atheists” for rejecting the gods, “cannibals” for eating Jesus body and drinking his blood, “incestuous” for statements like “I love you brother”. Nero burned Christians alive as torches for his garden at night, along with many other harsh punishments. Christians saw Nero as a prototype of the final antichrist.
Setting- Christians faced harsh persecution under Roman rule of emperor Nero. Nero allegedly started the great fire of Rome then blamed Christians as scapegoats. Christianity was viewed as a fanatical form of Judaism. Christians were viewed as hostile to society. Christians were viewed as “atheists” for rejecting the gods, “cannibals” for eating Jesus body and drinking his blood, “incestuous” for statements like “I love you brother”. Nero burned Christians alive as torches for his garden at night, along with many other harsh punishments. Christians saw Nero as a prototype of the final antichrist.
Ch.5 summary
Ch.5 summary
Peter calls out the elders in the community, while identifying himself as a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in Christ coming glory, to shepherd the flock not for personal gain, but in a way that will honor God. Peter says if they do this, when the chief shepherd appears they will receive an unfading crown of glory. Peter then calls the younger people to submit to the elder authority with humility. Saying, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Peter calls all to humble themselves before God so that God may exalt them at the proper time. Peter tells them to cast their anxieties on God, because God cares for them. Peter tells them to be temperate and alert, because the devil is seeking to consume them. Peter says we all will suffer from this, but that we can stand firm in our faith and God will strengthen us and help us withstand the devils attacks. This speaks to humility before God so that God can give us strength to withstand the devil.
Peter calls out the elders in the community, while identifying himself as a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in Christ coming glory, to shepherd the flock not for personal gain, but in a way that will honor God. Peter says if they do this, when the chief shepherd appears they will receive an unfading crown of glory. Peter then calls the younger people to submit to the elder authority with humility. Saying, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Peter calls all to humble themselves before God so that God may exalt them at the proper time. Peter tells them to cast their anxieties on God, because God cares for them. Peter tells them to be temperate and alert, because the devil is seeking to consume them. Peter says we all will suffer from this, but that we can stand firm in our faith and God will strengthen us and help us withstand the devils attacks. This speaks to humility before God so that God can give us strength to withstand the devil.
We are given commands that help prepare ourselves against spiritual attacks.
We are given commands that help prepare ourselves against spiritual attacks.
Verse 8
Verse 8
English Standard Version Chapter 5
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Be sober-minded (command 1)
Be sober-minded (command 1)
Sober-minded (word study) Self controlled, sensible, reasonable, temperate- curb the controlling influence of inordinate emotions or desires- conceived of as sobering up
Sober-minded (word study) Self controlled, sensible, reasonable, temperate- curb the controlling influence of inordinate emotions or desires- conceived of as sobering up
Be watchful (command 2) Watchful (word study) alert, awake, to beware- conceived of as staying awake
Be watchful (command 2) Watchful (word study) alert, awake, to beware- conceived of as staying awake
English Standard Version Chapter 5
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
B.K.C.- Christians should be constantly alert because the enemy is always seeking opportunity to attack
B.K.C.- Christians should be constantly alert because the enemy is always seeking opportunity to attack
These first two commands warn us against over indulgence in worldly pursuits as well as being spiritually asleep
These first two commands warn us against over indulgence in worldly pursuits as well as being spiritually asleep
Why must we be sober-minded and watchful? because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Why must we be sober-minded and watchful? because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
English Standard Version Chapter 1
The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
Adversary (word study) accuser, plaintiff, opponent- antagonist and accusing party in itigation, especially understood as a hostile enemy
Adversary (word study) accuser, plaintiff, opponent- antagonist and accusing party in itigation, especially understood as a hostile enemy
C.B.S.B.- Satan prowled like a lion as he traveled the world seeking harm. In Job Satan appears to be a title meaning “enemy” or “accuser”.
C.B.S.B.- Satan prowled like a lion as he traveled the world seeking harm. In Job Satan appears to be a title meaning “enemy” or “accuser”.
Prowls (word study) trample, tread on- to use ones feet to advance
Prowls (word study) trample, tread on- to use ones feet to advance
Roaring (word study) to cry with a full, loud, continued sound
Roaring (word study) to cry with a full, loud, continued sound
Lion (word study) one of the most dangerous predators known to the culture at the time, known to tread on and devour its prey
Lion (word study) one of the most dangerous predators known to the culture at the time, known to tread on and devour its prey
Seeking (word study) look for, desire- to try to get or reach something one desires
Seeking (word study) look for, desire- to try to get or reach something one desires
Devour (word study) swallow up, to destroy, gulp- conceived of as swallowing hurriedly or greedily in one drink
Devour (word study) swallow up, to destroy, gulp- conceived of as swallowing hurriedly or greedily in one drink
Now we see our last command given to help us guard against spiritual attacks
Now we see our last command given to help us guard against spiritual attacks
Verse 9
Verse 9
English Standard Version Chapter 5
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Resist him (command 3)
Resist him (command 3)
English Standard Version Chapter 4
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
B.K.C.-The devil can be and should be resisted
B.K.C.-The devil can be and should be resisted
Resist (word study) oppose, withstand- to be against, express opposition to
Resist (word study) oppose, withstand- to be against, express opposition to
“Firm in your faith”
“Firm in your faith”
English Standard Version Chapter 22
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
B.K.C.- Christians can stand firm against satan only by full dependence on Christ
B.K.C.- Christians can stand firm against satan only by full dependence on Christ
Firm (word study) solid- marked by determination or resolution, unshakable
Firm (word study) solid- marked by determination or resolution, unshakable
Faith (word study) belief assurance- trust in the gospel, trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the gospel
Faith (word study) belief assurance- trust in the gospel, trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the gospel
“knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”- referring to what the devil does in v. 8
“knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”- referring to what the devil does in v. 8
Tony Evans- When you move from satans realm into Christs kingdom you become a target
Tony Evans- When you move from satans realm into Christs kingdom you become a target
Suffering (word study) affliction- a state of great suffering or distress due to adversity
Suffering (word study) affliction- a state of great suffering or distress due to adversity
Experienced (word study) to be accomplished, to be successfully completed or put into effect
Experienced (word study) to be accomplished, to be successfully completed or put into effect
Brotherhood (word study) fellowship of believers, church across the world, Gods family
Brotherhood (word study) fellowship of believers, church across the world, Gods family
Now we look at the results of following Gods commands
Now we look at the results of following Gods commands
Verse 10
Verse 10
English Standard Version Chapter 5
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.
Tony Evans- You can conquer satan, but only through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ
Tony Evans- You can conquer satan, but only through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ
“And after you have suffered a little while”
“And after you have suffered a little while”
English Standard Version Chapter 4
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
Suffered (word study) affliction- a state of great suffering or distress due to adversity
Suffered (word study) affliction- a state of great suffering or distress due to adversity
“The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ”
“The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ”
English Standard Version Chapter 6
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
B.K.C.- Suffering will last only a little while, glory in Christ, to which we are called, will be eternal
B.K.C.- Suffering will last only a little while, glory in Christ, to which we are called, will be eternal
Grace (word study) goodwill freely disseminated, especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator
Grace (word study) goodwill freely disseminated, especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator
Called (word study) name, summon, invite- to authoritatively communicate a demand for the presence or participation of
Called (word study) name, summon, invite- to authoritatively communicate a demand for the presence or participation of
Eternal (word study) everlasting, continued forever
Eternal (word study) everlasting, continued forever
Glory (word study) heaven understood according to its resplendent nature
Glory (word study) heaven understood according to its resplendent nature
Now we see what happens when we answer Gods calling
Now we see what happens when we answer Gods calling
“will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
“will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Restore (word study) bring to an end, finish, prepare, complete- to make ready or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use or event
Restore (word study) bring to an end, finish, prepare, complete- to make ready or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use or event
English Standard Version Chapter 6
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Confirm (word study) strengthen, to make strong
Confirm (word study) strengthen, to make strong
Strengthen (word study) establish, to confirm- to make more marked by firm determination or resolution
Strengthen (word study) establish, to confirm- to make more marked by firm determination or resolution
Establish (word study) foundation, to lay a foundation- to strengthen a personal quality or aspect, conceived of as laying a foundation stone or support
Establish (word study) foundation, to lay a foundation- to strengthen a personal quality or aspect, conceived of as laying a foundation stone or support
1 Pet. 5:8-10 summary
1 Pet. 5:8-10 summary
The Lord is commanding us to have self control, to be sensible, reasonable, and temperate at all times. The Lord commands us to be alert, awake and aware. The devil, who is understood to be the antagonist and accusing party in a hostile environment is walking about, treading on and trampling over as he is trying to reach us, as he desires to destroy us and swallow us up like a roaring lion. We are commanded to oppose and withstand the devils attacks by being solid and firm, unshakable in our belief, understanding and assurance in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are aware that the same affliction and distress is being successfully put into effect in the lives of saints throughout the world. After you have experienced this affliction for a short time, the God of goodwill which is freely disseminated to the saints, who has communicated a demand for our presence and participation in his everlasting resplendent nature in Christ. Will himself, prepare, complete and equip us for our purpose, make us stronger, mark us with firm determiation, and lay a foundation for our support against spiritual attacks.
The Lord is commanding us to have self control, to be sensible, reasonable, and temperate at all times. The Lord commands us to be alert, awake and aware. The devil, who is understood to be the antagonist and accusing party in a hostile environment is walking about, treading on and trampling over as he is trying to reach us, as he desires to destroy us and swallow us up like a roaring lion. We are commanded to oppose and withstand the devils attacks by being solid and firm, unshakable in our belief, understanding and assurance in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are aware that the same affliction and distress is being successfully put into effect in the lives of saints throughout the world. After you have experienced this affliction for a short time, the God of goodwill which is freely disseminated to the saints, who has communicated a demand for our presence and participation in his everlasting resplendent nature in Christ. Will himself, prepare, complete and equip us for our purpose, make us stronger, mark us with firm determiation, and lay a foundation for our support against spiritual attacks.
What have we learned? -Only through faith and obedience in Christ can we resist attacks from the devil, even in suffering -Gods kingdom and glory are eternal, through Christ God promises to lay a firm foundation, make us stronger, and equip us to withstand the devil -Commands to obey, Be sober-minded, be watchful, resist him, be careful not to be overtaken by overinduldgence in worldly pursuits, be careful to not become spiritually asleep “there is no such thing as a spectator Christian” Jack Hibbs -keep your faith even in suffering, like the Christians being persecuted in Rome -Do not be overtaken by the cares of this world, do not be discouraged in suffering, encourage others to find the strength that comes from faith in Jesus
What have we learned? -Only through faith and obedience in Christ can we resist attacks from the devil, even in suffering -Gods kingdom and glory are eternal, through Christ God promises to lay a firm foundation, make us stronger, and equip us to withstand the devil -Commands to obey, Be sober-minded, be watchful, resist him, be careful not to be overtaken by overinduldgence in worldly pursuits, be careful to not become spiritually asleep “there is no such thing as a spectator Christian” Jack Hibbs -keep your faith even in suffering, like the Christians being persecuted in Rome -Do not be overtaken by the cares of this world, do not be discouraged in suffering, encourage others to find the strength that comes from faith in Jesus
How do we apply this in our lives? -Put God first! spend time in prayer, spend time in the word -Be more bold in sharing and proclaiming your faith -Stand strong in Gods family, remind others of their calling in Christ -As Christians we all experience the same kinds of suffering, encourage others to stand firm in their faith -Share the gospel with as many people as possible, tell them about Gods grace and glory, tell them about their calling in Christ
How do we apply this in our lives? -Put God first! spend time in prayer, spend time in the word -Be more bold in sharing and proclaiming your faith -Stand strong in Gods family, remind others of their calling in Christ -As Christians we all experience the same kinds of suffering, encourage others to stand firm in their faith -Share the gospel with as many people as possible, tell them about Gods grace and glory, tell them about their calling in Christ
