Resisting the Devil
1 Peter 5:5-14
As Peter concludes his letter, his final admonition is to resist the devil. The Apostle Paul has a similar thought in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” All of the New Testament writers and Jesus have warnings about the devil or Satan. We do best to pay attention.
Godly Encouragement
Exhort and declare to stand firm in the true grace of God
Resist the devil who seeks to devour
Be firm in your faith (through the work of the Spirit, 1:2)
Expect suffering as a common experience
Faithful Resistance
Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand
Cast your anxieties on the caring God
Be sober-minded to unmask the designs of the devil
Be watchful for the prowling nature of the devil
All of Grace – It is God who:
Calls you to His eternal glory in Christ
Restores you to your intended state
Confirms you as His child
Strengthens you for service
Establishes you in His eternal kingdom
Exalts you (Spirit of glory and of God rests on you, 4:14)