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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