EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers need to be alert, watchful of Satan's schemes so they can resist him.
8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion,
looking for anyone he can devour.
9 Resist him, firm in the faith,
knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, establish,
strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.
11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
Note that Peter used the image of a lion to describe the devil (Satan).
identify the lion's actions and intent (adversary, prowling, loud, after anyone).
briefly discuss what it takes to protect oneself from this adversary (live sober-minded, be alert, resist, stand firm in the faith).
Peter recognized that a real enemy was at work behind all the suffering and persecution.
The idea of being sober-minded related to nurturing a careful attitude.
The warning to be alert emphasizes the importance of not allowing that attitude to falter.
Christians must be aware of their enemy's work against the kingdom of God.
Typically, this would refer to an opponent.
In Greek, it was often used to describe a person who was on the other side of a lawsuit, like a prosecuting attorney.
Only here in the New Testament does it describe a Christians true adversary.
To be sure, the devil is no ordinary foe.
However, his power is limited by the Father.
Still, believers are challenged to remain alert to his schemes.
He is most dangerous when we are tempted to dismiss or diminish his influence.
Peter had already compared believers to sheep in a flock, so a stalking lion would have been an appropriate image for a predatory enemy.
The simile also illustrates the nature of the devil's fear and intimidation tactics.
One might go so far as to say that persecution is a roar and to leave the faith is to be devoured.
Resistance (antistete) is active engagement against a foe.
One cannot passively resist the devil and hope to experience victory in the Christian life.
The resistance Peter encouraged equated to a firmness in one's faith.
Belief that God and God alone saves and sustains us is the active resistance required to stay in that same faith.
As we acknowledge the power of God in our lives, we can do a better job of identifying and rejecting the enemy's attempts to disrupt our faith and witness.
No Christ follower lives on an island.
we are connected to other believers through the bond we share with Jesus.
So, Peter's readers could take comfort in the fact that they were not the only ones-
or even the first ones-to take part in this spiritual warfare against Satan.
While Satan may try to leave us feeling isolated, our bond through Jesus remains powerful.
Point out that Peter concluded his letter with a doxology affirming God's faithfulness and care for suffering Christians.
read 1 Peter 5:10-11 together as a benediction to this session and the entire letter of 1 Peter.
Highlight God's dominion forever and that Christians only suffer a little while.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 99 of the Personal Study Guide:
Lead the group to frame these statements in the context of the church today. Describe what a church might look like to those living around it.
Guide the group to discuss the first set of questions on page 99 of the PSG. Encourage adults to take a moment to write an encouraging note or email to your pastor. Identify other ways you can support his ministry as a Bible study group.
Invite the group to share in a time of individual prayers for your pastor and church. Close the time by thanking God for His promises and guidance through Peter in facing the challenges of Christians
under persecution.
-->Wrap up the study of 1 Peter by sending the group an email or text encouraging them to spend time this week reviewing the sessions and noting significant truths that have brought meaning and support to their faith. Thank adults for their participation and share with them the launch of 2 Peter, where Peter emphasized more insights for practical Christian living.
Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. (See Romans 8:28-39; 2 Timothy 1:12.)
Use multiple Scripture passages to understand a major doctrine.
The Bible holds in perfect tension two things that seem contrary: God s sovereignty and man s responsibility. The letters of Peter are no exception. This is particularly true with regard to salvation. We are called by God and effectually held by Him, but we are simultaneously urged to choose and maintain faith. Read the following Bible passages and take note of what they teach about these theological truths: Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; John 1:12-14; 3:16; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7; and Ephesians 1:4-23.