25 February 2024 AM – Text: 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Topic: Satan
Introduction: Read 1 Peter 5:1-9. Peter addressed this section particularly to elders or pastors. Pastors are to be shepherds, protecting their flock from danger. However, verses 5-9 also have a personal application for every Christian.
In verses 8-9, Peter gives commands concerning our enemy, the devil. He and his countless demons are constantly trying to defeat us. Peter describes Satan as a roaring lion. Of that lion, Albert Barnes states, “The lion here is not the crouching lion – the lion stealthfully creeping toward his foe – but it is the raging monarch of the woods, who by his terrible roar would intimidate all so that they might become an easy prey.” The devil is prowling around us, seeking to swallow us down.
In Job 1:7, we read that Satan was “going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Note Jesus’ words to Peter in Luke 22:31, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:” Paul warned that Satan uses wiles or cunning tactics, often deceitful, to get us to fall (Eph 6:11). Revelation 12:9 describes our enemy as the great dragon, the old serpent, the devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world.
Satan is not particular HOW he gets a Christian weak so that he can pounce on him. He will use any cunning tactic possible. He may feed your pride to keep you from humbly submitting to God. Your tongue may be his tool to get you to hurt others or to harm your Christian testimony. He uses lustful Internet or TV to lure you into ungodly thoughts and actions. Poorly chosen friends are another of his tools to lead you astray. He will use your busy schedule to keep you from Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and church. Stubborn children act as his tool to rouse parents to anger. He delights in using stress in relationships to cause Christians to act in ungodly ways. You get the picture. You can personally customise the list and add to it. Satan is after us!
For sheep in a paddock where lions roamed, there was constant danger. Both shepherd and sheep had to be alert. To fall asleep would likely be fatal.
Transition: In our text this morning, Peter gives us three commands, that when obeyed, will help to protect us from Satan’s attacks.
1. We must be Sober.
a. What does it mean to be sober?
1) As with many English words, this Greek word as a variety of definitions.
a) It is to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit and to be sensible, or discreet. Thayer, Mickelson
b) It is to be temperate, dispassionate, or circumspect. Thayer
c) TDNT states that it is “the opposite of every kind of fuzziness… and refers to the self-control and clarity of mind that are needed in the service of God.”
2) The overall meaning then is to have a clear mind that is alert and sensible. To do so was to be ready.
3) When we lived in PNG, I remember a hike that I took through the thick jungle leading back to a remote village. I must admit that I was nervous about snakes. I was accompanied by several nationals and my co-worker, Jerry. As we walked, Jerry told stories about hikers in a South American jungle where snakes grew to enormous size. He told how they sometimes hung in trees and dropped on their prey. Others were so large that they could kill and swallow full-grown buffalo. I can assure you that his stories made me sober and clear-minded as we hiked through the deep grasses.
b. How can we be sober and avoid temptation?
1) We must know our enemy. Know that he will use any deceitful tactic possible to capture us.
a) We must have clear minds, with no fuzziness. Clearly know the devil’s tactics. How has he attacked you in the past? Know your own personal weaknesses. Do your struggles centre around your mouth, eyes, mind, lusts, habits, attitudes, worry, spiritual neglect, or something else? Soberly identify places you must avoid. Make a clear list of people you must not befriend.
b) We must constantly be ready and alert. Stay close to the Lord. Nothing will help you defeat the devil’s attacks better than a flourishing relationship with Christ. Do you study your Bible daily? Do you confess all sin to God immediately? Do you humbly seek forgiveness of others when you hurt them? Do you fully forgive those who hurt you?
c) Install filters on your Internet and phone. Bounce your eyes away from immodesty. Be sober!
2. We must be Vigilant.
a. What does it mean to be vigilant?
1) This word also has variants.
a) It primarily means to watch.
b) It requires that we refrain from sleep. We must stay awake.
c) It calls for attention, caution, alertness.
d) The KJV always translates it as a form of watch or wake, except in our text, where it is vigilant.
2) The overall idea of this command is to stay awake and watch.
3) In years past, the penalty for a soldier falling asleep while on guard duty was to be shot by the firing squad. A guard must stay away, not only to protect his own life, but to protect all the soldiers who were sleeping.
b. How can we be vigilant in watching for the devil?
1) Do not fall asleep on duty.
a) Overconfidence can lull you to sleep. E.g., “Others may get trapped, but not me.” “I am strong enough to look at that without falling.”
b) Making excuses for your weaknesses will put you to sleep. E.g., “I inherited anger.” “My tongue is not all that bad.”
c) Underestimating the devil’s power can make you drowsy. “Pastor is overdramatic about the devil.”
2) Stand guard with integrity. Train yourself to sift all that you see, hear, and do through God’s word. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” This is no small task, but it is vital to staying awake spiritually.
3. We must Resist the Devil (v.9).
a. What did Peter mean by “resist”?
1) The term simply means to stand against, to oppose, or to withstand. Do not give in! Quote scripture. Flee to Christ.
2) The word is translated “withstand” in Paul’s instructions about spiritual armour. (Ephesians 6:13) “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.“
3) James tells us to resist the devil (same word). (James 4:7) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.“
4) God did not say, “Fight the devil”, He said “resist him.” We are no match for Satan.
b. Peter qualified this command in two ways.
1) We are to resist, “steadfast in the faith.” Being steadfast in the faith is standing firmly in your faith in Christ, not in your own human power. It is resting fully in the power and promises of Christ. (1 John 4:4) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” In a similar context, the Apostle Paul wrote, (Romans 8:31) “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” It is standing firmly on the Word of God. (Psalm 119:11) “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.“
2) We must remember that we are not alone. Many others have faced similar attacks of the devil. Their afflictions were accomplished (i.e., were brought to an end), and yours can be too.
Conclusion: The devil is prowling all around you. He is seeking ways to devour you. God gave you three commands: 1) Be sober. Your mind must be clear and alert. 2) Be vigilant. You must watch and not fall asleep. 3) Resist. You must stand against Satan’s attacks. If you have not been obeying these commands, confess to God and with His help begin.
