Greetings From Babylon

V. 8

We need to be clear minded, and ever watching, because Satan is stalking us.

He literally roams about the earth, looking for prey.

Satan literally roams the earth looking for prey.

Job 1:6-8

Job 1:6–8 NKJV

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Peter uses the imagery of a lion, because it wasn't uncommon for the Christians in this time period (Nero) to actually be fed to lions, they were an instrument of persecution.

Satan; however, is a counterfeit.

He wants to be God, but he can’t, so he becomes a cheap imitation.

The true lion is Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah.

Revelation 5:5

Revelation 5:5 NKJV

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Though he may be a fraud, we need to take Satan seriously.

He is more powerful than we are.

If you are arrogant enough to try to defeat Satan on your own, he will devour you (lit. Eat up).

V. 9

You are not to fight the devil, if you do you will lose. Instead, resist him.

We are not to fight the devil, we are to resist him, Even the archangel Michael did not attempt to fight Satan.

James 4:7-8

James 4:7–8 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Jude 1:9

Jude 9 NKJV

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

If you resist the devil and draw close to God, the devil will flee.

The devil may be stronger than you, but he is not stronger than God.

1 John 4:4

1 John 4:4 NKJV

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

The key is faith in God.

You have to trust Him enough to allow Him to take care of you and protect you.

Sometimes the struggle may feel lonely, but you are not alone.

Satan and his army of demons are attacking Christians all over the world.

The trouble is not unique to you.

V. 10

You are a work of God, called by Him. As God's work, He is constantly perfecting us.

It is a comforting thought that God will perfect His work, but the process is painful, it requires suffering. 

The entire process is well summed up by C.S. Lewis as he describes it in terms of a remodeling project.

A certain amount of destruction's necessary for the proper completion of the project.

In your faithful perseverance, you will be perfected, established, strengthened and settled.

God's work is always perfect, we are the ones who mess it up, but it will be restored.

We are established, unmovable on the Rock of Salvation.

We have the strength of the mighty hand of God.

And we are settled, our case is closed, we are justified and pardoned, never to face condemnation.

Christians will not face condemnation from God.

Romans 8:1

Romans 8:1 NKJV

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

We are also settled emotionally.

With one who will carry all of our burdens, we have no need to worry about tomorrow. We have a peace that passes all understanding.

V. 11

The glory is God's and His alone, and His dominion is eternal.

Jesus’ kingdom will never end.

Luke 1:33

Luke 1:33 NKJV

And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

V. 12

Peter wrote this letter with the help of Silas. He didn't try to go it alone, and neither should we.

It was meant to be an encouraging letter, and a confirmation of their faith.

He wanted them to know that they were following the truth, and encourage them to stand fast in God's grace.

V. 13

Many people believe the Babylon is a cryptic reference to Rome.

If true, Peter may have spoken cryptically to protect both the Roman church and himself from persecution.

It was not unusual for persecuted Christians to speak in code.

However, it is interesting to note that there was an inhabited city named Babylon during this time.

It was, of course, much different than it was during the time of Israel’s captivity.

The city was no longer the center of political power, but it retained enough infrastructure to serve as a base for apostolic activity.

In fact, it had a significant Jewish population, and Peter’s ministry was primarily to Jews, while Paul primarily ministered to gentiles (Rome).

For this reason, I believe that Peter was actually writing from babylon.

V. 14

The kiss referenced here is  symbol of affection, but not romantic in nature.

Although in our culture men don't generally kiss other men, its not uncommon for us to hug.

The real lesson is the expression of Godly love for our brethren.

We should always return the same love that God has given us.

Peace always follows those who are in Christ, but it is pointless to wish peace to someone who does not know Him.

It doesn't matter what religion or philosophy you follow, apart from Christ, there is no peace.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We should always be ready to lead someone to the Prince of Peace.

2 Timothy 4:2

2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.