The Battle Continues

Introduction:

1) The Path Of Your Preparation

A. Be sober

This causes us to properly respect His abilities.

He is a dangerous enemy!

He will bite when we least expect it.

He has great influence and a host of demons who serve at his command.

Sense: to get self-control ⇔ sober up v. — to curb the controlling influence of inordinate emotions or desires (and therefore become reasonable); conceived of as sobering up from the influence of alcohol.

You need to reach the maturity where you can discern what is caused by the devil and what does not. (some blame everything on the devil)

Illustration: It takes time for a drunk to sober up. It is reasonable to say that some Christians need to take the necessary time to acknowledge where they need control and spend the right time with God to make it happen.

B. Be vigilant

Sense: to be alert ⇔ be awake v. — to beware, conceived of as staying awake.

For ever truth of God, Satan has a counterfeit.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

1 John 2:18-27

Example: Parable of the wheat and tares

The ONLY WAY we can recognize the devil is by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. (know the Word and “Walk in the Spirit”)

2) The Purpose Of Your Preparation

A. Your Adversary

Your accuser, opponent, plaintiff

These believers had already experience the accuser, now they will experience the attack.

He is likened unto a lion

“roaring” = speaks to power and aggression

His approach always begins with observation

Then with every step he advances; “walketh about”

Finally the devouring attack

“devour” - Sense: to destroy ⇔ gulp v. — to destroy, conceived of as swallowing hurriedly or greedily or in one drink.

B. Your resistance

“Resist stedfast in the faith”

“Resist” = be hostile toward

“Steadfast” = solid; be firm

Sense = marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

Do you know what your weapons are? God’s Word and prayer.

Ephesians 6:17-18

Peter directs us back to a particular kind of faith; Gospel faith; total dependance!

This is speaking of a cooperate resistance

“knowing”

Sense =

“same affliction”

Sense = affliction (state) n. — a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity.

“your brethren in the world” = every believer who lives on planet earth

What is the benifit of this knowledge? YOU ARE NEVER ALONE IN THE FIGHT!

Listen, your victories are not just for you. They are strength for others.

Peter understood this very well.

3) The Promise Of God’s Grace (vv10-11)

A. The supply of grace (v10)

Peter uses the word “but” to indicate a distinct contrast in the previous statement. (uses close to 30 times)

As we have seen in this book, God’s grace is sufficient in all life’s circumstances. Peter concludes by placing it on “center stage.”

In Peter’s day it was the terrible persecution by Nero. Don’t be miss led to think grace is only needed for such level of difficulties.

“The God of all grace”

God has an absolute monopoly on this amazing resource.

Limitless supply available!

There is grace for living and dying.

Grace for sin’s penalty and overcome daily sin.

Grace to face persecution and to forgive the offender.

Turn to: Romans 8:35-39

B. The eternal goal of grace (vv10-11)

“suffer a while”

Suffering is used by God to discipline us and develop us.

Example: Joseph discovered this — Gen 45:5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life; Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

God’s goal too “perfect” you.

Make perfect = to arrange; to set in order; to adjust

Illustration: This same word is used when James and John were mending their nets. In a sense, our lives need mending to be useful down here and ready for up there.

God’s goal to “stablish” you.

Example: Same word when Jesus was fixed upon going to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Nothing could stop God’s salvific plan.

Example: Abraham could do nothing to change the conditions of the rich man in flames or Lazarus in Paradise.

God’s goal to “settle” you.

Maybe Peter was thinking back to when Jesus taught them about two foundations.

No tempest of life can shake the life that is build on Jesus.

Our eternity is settled in Christ!

Quote: “Suffering is the storm cloud that provides the canvas on which God paints the rainbow” (John Phillips)

Conclusion: There was no doubt that Nero had glory and dominion for a season. With one nod he would have Christians in Rome far and wide hunted down to be dipped in tar or allow to become living candles to light his evening debauchery. However, his season would be very short! He may have been on his throne while the Christians were facing wolves and lions, but their KING ruled the galaxies and has conquered death and hell. One day God will bring us to be with Him because HIS GRACE will fit us for that final journey. Until then, you and I can continue in the battle of life because we belong to the God of all grace for ever need!