Read 1 Peter 5:8–14

In the preface to The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis wrote, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence, and the other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” The New Testament models exactly the right balance in how to think about Satan and demonic forces. It acknowledges their existence and warns us to be on guard, but clearly highlights the Lord’s sovereignty.

Peter closes his letter warning the church to “be alert and of sober mind” (v. 8). Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “When we think we have no occasion for the sword, we begin to unbuckle it from our side. We strip off our armor piece by piece, and then it is that we become most exposed to the attacks of our enemies.” Diligence is required in the Christian life.

There are hostile spiritual forces at work in the world. The devil is not idle, but “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (v. 8). Satan cannot be everywhere at once. But he does seek to thwart God’s plan. According to Scripture, the most common way he seeks to do this is through trapping or deceiving God’s people (1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26).

We are not called to flee or to fear the devil. Instead, Peter challenges us to “resist him” (v. 9). We do this by “standing firm in the faith” (v. 9). We can be comforted by knowing that we are not the only ones who are suffering for our faith. We are part of a whole “family of believers” around the world (v. 9). We are in good company. But even more importantly, we know that one day God Himself “will restore you and make you strong” (v. 10).

Go Deeper

What does Lewis mean when he said we either overestimate or underestimate the work of the devil? According to Peter, how do we guard ourselves?

Pray with Us

Precious Lord, You have given us everything we need to resist the devil. Thank You for the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:14–17). May we always keep it on.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.James 4:7

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Read 1 Peter 5:5–7

Many believers today live under persecution. According to the Open Doors World Watch List, more than 380 million Christians are “subject to high levels of persecution and discrimination.” The early church understood well what it was like to live under a hostile government and culture.

As Peter approaches the close of his letter, he focuses on what was most important for the church to faithfully endure hardship. His answer may surprise you. He does not encourage organizing to resist hostile government authorities or publicly defending oneself against detractors. Instead, he warns against pride and anxiety (vv. 5–7). Pride and anxiety often go hand in hand. Pride demonstrates trust in yourself rather than God. One cause of anxiety is a belief that you must take care of yourself.

Instead, Peter challenges the church to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (v. 5). Humility is a mark of spiritual maturity. While we tend to celebrate and lift up the gifted and the exceptional, God loves to exalt the humble (v. 6). This accords with God’s message to Israel: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isa. 66:2).

There are a lot of reasons to be anxious, especially true when you could be jailed or put on trial for your faith. Peter does not say we don’t have any reason for anxiety. Instead, he calls us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (v. 7). The verb here is quite vivid—we are to hurl our fears upon the Lord. We can do so because we can trust Him. Paul echoes this advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).

Go Deeper

How do pride and anxiety sometimes connect? What antidote do Peter and Paul suggest for when we feel anxious?

Pray with Us

We are afraid of so many things, but we trust in You, God. When fear grips us, please bring to mind your Word: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.1 Peter 5:6

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