Golden Nuggets
Introduction
Through the years, the teaching in Titus II has covered much ground. We have:
• Started at the beginning (Genesis) and gone all the way to the end (Eschatology, Rapture, Millennium),
• Seen how God works in the lives of people (Abigail, Bathsheba, Boaz, David, Gideon, Naomi, & Paul),
• Addressed real-life issues (money management, biblical view of work, childrearing, decision-making and the will of God, divorce & remarriage, in-laws),
• Studied Old Testament material (Daniel, Ruth, Genesis, Job, 10 Commandments),
• Studied New Testament material (First Peter, James, Great Galilean Ministry, Gospel of John, James, Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, etc.), and
• Considered a Biblical Worldview
Transition
While it would be impossible to review all of the biblical material that has been discussed in the past 8 years, we can selectively consider “nuggets” or “pearls” that the Spirit chose to resonate in your hearts and minds. Let us take a brief tour down memory lane and consider eight of those nuggets this morning.
Lesson
1. The Study of 2 Samuel 11-12
Our tour begins in the book of 2 Samuel. Our study of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12 was very instructive of how sin is birthed and how sin always results in consequences. Buried within this study was a great lesson about prayer. Remember when David is told that his ill son will die because of his sin? What does he do? He chooses to intercede on behalf of his son. Yet, his son dies. What can we learn from David’s petition for his ill son in 2 Samuel 12:18-23? We can learn a lesson about unanswered prayer. David prayed as earnestly as a man could pray, but God clearly answered: “No!” How did David respond? David was content with God’s answer. He did not protest or complain. He accepted God’s will as that which was best. He worshipped God in spite of his loss and his pain. He did not agonize that he simply lacked faith (which if great enough would change the outcome). He knew God had heard him and He had answered. How many of us praise God when He has told us “No!”?
2. The Study of Contentment – 1 Timothy 6
Our study in 1 Timothy 6 on contentment included this poem by a confederate soldier written more than a hundred years ago. While it is not “biblical”, it says it all:
I asked for health that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I do might do better things...
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise...
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God....
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing that I asked for but everything that I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
3. A Biblical Response to 2008
In January of this year, I delivered a two-part message on a biblical response to 2008. We looked at both a “spiritual” response as well as a “financial” response. I want to briefly re-visit what we discussed in the “financial” response. I made the following predictions for 2009:
o Credit would be tight throughout 2009
o Unemployment would rise to between 10-12% by year end (and many of you would be affected)
o Worker pay and benefits would remain flat or decline
o Loan defaults would rise resulting in declining asset values
o Government revenues would decline, triggering tax increases and/or a decline in services
o The economy would not have bottomed and a recovery would be yet several quarters out
Unfortunately, virtually all of these predictions came true. What does 2010 look like?
o Credit will remain tight throughout 2010
o Unemployment will struggle to go below 9% (do not be surprised if it remains above 10%)
o Worker pay and benefits will remain flat or decline
o Loan defaults will rise again and asset values will remain flat (at best)
o Government revenues will decline triggering tax increases and/or a decline in services
o Businesses will continue to sit on cash and invest very judiciously
Or in other words, most of us will be profoundly disappointed a year from today with the financial recovery. If this picture is true (or even directionally true), how does one respond biblically to such a financial environment? Just as I stated in January, you need to:
o Get debt-free (Prov. 22:7; Prov. 6:1-5)
o Build and live on a budget (Prov. 23:23-27; Luke 14:28-30)
o Simplify your lifestyle
o Live below your means (preferably at about 75% of your income)
o Seek neither poverty or wealth (Prov. 30:7-9)
4. The Sunday After
The Sunday after Mike Spratt died, which corresponded with the class coming of age, I delivered a lesson that praised, warned, and challenged the class. My final topic dealt with how Mike’s unexpected death reminds us of an important fact – we need to be prepared for death. One may ask: “What should we do to be prepared for death?” Or stated another way: “What decisions do you need to make?” Warning -- some of these may be unsettling (but should not). You and your spouse need to:
Organize your financial records
Have a will
Have adequate life insurance
Plan your respective funerals
Determine what careers each should pursue if the other dies
Determine what type of housing each should have if the other dies
Determine where the surviving spouse should live
Determine what childcare options should be used if the other dies
Discuss who or what type of person the surviving spouse should consider for re-marriage
How many of you are so prepared? Why am I emphasizing that you discuss “dark” thought? It is because the greatest gift you can give your spouse is the freedom to grieve. This is only possible if decisions such as these and plans such as these have already been finalized. It allows the grieving spouse to grieve and not to focus on “logistical” matters.
5. The Example of Gideon
Our tour down memory lane returns us to the Old Testament and our study in Judges 6. Gideon is called deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. As the Midianites and Amalekites assemble to attack Israel, Gideon fears for his life. He says to God: “If Thou wilt deliver Israel through me as Thou hast spoken, behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on the all the ground, then I will know that Thou wilt deliver Israel through me, as Thou hast spoken. And it was so. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Do not let Thine anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.” And God did so that night, for it was dry only on the fleece, and dew was on all the ground.”
This passage is considered the proof text by many of the “practice” of placing fleeces before God in order to determine his will. “If X, then I will do Y.” There are several problems with this practice. First, God’s sovereign will call not be known in advance and thus is of no value in determining the “individual will” of God. Second, God’s moral will can be fully known and we do not have to resort to “fleeces” to determine that will. Finally, Judges 6 (the only example of using a fleece to determine God’s will), itself, does not support the practice of modern day Christians. This is because:
o Gideon’s fleece was not simply a circumstantial sign, but rather a miraculous display of supernatural power. How many of us realistically ask for a supernatural display when asking for guidance?
o Gideon was not employing the fleece to ascertain guidance, but to gain confirmation of guidance already given.
o Rather than being an example of a proper approach to receiving guidance, Gideon’s demand for further signs was really an expression of doubt and unbelief.
If the practice of placing out fleeces can not be supported by this text (or any other text), what are the best guidelines to use to determine God’s individual will for our lives?
o In those areas specifically addressed by the Bible, the revealed commands of God (His moral will) are to be obeyed -- the moral will of God encompasses much more than one’s actions. Goals, motives, attitudes, and means to ends are all governed to some degree by God’s moral guidance.
o In those areas where the Bible gives no command or principle (non-moral decisions), the believer is free and responsible to choose his own course of action. Any decision made within the moral will of God is acceptable to God.
o In non-moral decisions, the objective of the Christian is to make wise decisions on the basis of spiritual expediency. The final decision should be explained and defended on the basis of moral guidance (“God’s Word says…”) and wisdom guidance (“it seemed best”).
o In all decisions, the believer should humbly submit, in advance, to the outworking of God’s sovereign will as it touches each decision. That is because sovereign guidance has no direct bearing on the conscious considerations of the decision-maker.
6. Matthew 24:42-51
The next “nugget” can be drawn from our study of Matthew 24. While much energy is given over to focusing on understanding “end times”, very little consideration is given over to understanding what are our duties in waiting and preparing for the 2nd coming of Christ. Read the text. What do we learn from this text as it relates to our duties in waiting and preparing for the 2nd coming of Christ? In this study we concluded with these wise words:
o Secure your salvation. Since the 2nd Coming will be sudden, do not delay in securing your salvation or of warning others.
o Be a good watchman. Live your life as if he could come at any minute.
o Be a good servant. Be faithful to that which he has entrusted to us.
o Quit trying to predict the timing of the second coming. Since we can not know the hour and day of the 2nd Coming, it is futile (and I would argue sinful) to attempt to predict the 2nd Coming.
7. Childrearing
For nearly six weeks, we took a deep dive into what the Scriptures had to say about parenting and rearing children. From that study, I want to pull out one thread. What are we to focus on in our parenting? Are we to focus on their behavior? Are we to focus on their character? We are to focus on the heart of our children. This is because a person’s life is a reflection of his heart. Luke 6:45 states: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” This passage teaches that behavior is not the basic issue. This passage teaches that character is not the basic issue. The basic issue is always what is going on in the heart. Your child’s behavior – the things he says and does – reflects his heart. If you are to really help him, you must be concerned with the attitudes of heart that drive his behavior. Why? Because a change in behavior that does not stem from a change in heart is not commendable; it is condemnable (see Matthew 15:8-9). But, what about the gospel? Isn’t that to be our focus as parents? Obviously, one the most important things we want to tell our children about (as well as to model), is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, the focus of parenting must be on that which we can contribute to the parenting process. We can’t save our children – that is God’s work. But we can instruct them in the matters of the heart.
8. The Book of Ruth
Let us next turn to the book of Ruth. Most of you know the story – a widow (Naomi) and her daughter-in-law (Ruth) return from a sojourn in Moab in an impoverished state. We learned that Ruth turned into a field apparently by chance (“she happened to come to the portion of the field…”). She worked hard. It was hot. She takes a break. While unattractive and sweaty, sitting alone, speaking with an accent, two men off in the distance talk about her. “Who’s that?” Without her knowing, everything was about to change – (“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9).
It is because of this providential meeting, that we are introduced to one of the most godly men in the Bible – Boaz. While there are many lessons from this story that are worthy of being highlighted, let me highlight just three (3):
o The Generosity of Boaz
The character of God is one of mercy. God’s interaction with Israel displayed mercy. As such, the Law of God was very clear, we are to be merciful. We read in Leviticus and Deuteronomy: “Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God (Lev. 19:9-10)…When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deut. 24:19). While the law of God is clear – you need to know that this was merely the “minimum” standard. This was what God “required.” To be “generous”, one must give beyond this level. And here is Ruth 2, we see the example of a man (Boaz) who loves God, who loves the Law, and who desires to be both obedient and “generous.” Notice how he:
Allows her to drink from the water jars that have been provided for the servants
Allows her to eat food that has been provided for the servants
Commands his servants to allow her to glean even among the sheaves (not on the edges), and
Instructs his servants to purposely pull out some grain for her from the bundles already gathered
The example of Boaz can teach us much about generosity. For if we truly understand the character of God, if we truly understand the moral will of God, if we truly believe what James says in James 1:27 (“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”), then we will be generous. We will live in smaller houses, we will have fewer toys, we will have older cars, we will wear less expensive clothes, we will donate more money – because we are being generous.
o The Redemption of the Damaged
A second “take-away” can be seen in the miraculous backdrop of Boaz’s heritage. It is a story for those of you who struggle with their past. Do you believe mistakes you made in your youth (or earlier in your life) make you damaged material? Do you believe you can not used by God to make a difference in this world? If you do, listen to this lesson from Ruth.
Matthew 1:4 – “…and to Ram was born Amminadab; and to Amminadab, Nahshon; and to Nahshon, Salmon; and to Salmon was born Boaz by Rahab; …”
Boaz’ mother was Rahab the harlot of Jericho.
Hebrews 11:31 – “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”
If God can redeem Rahab and make her useful in the advancement of His kingdom, God can redeem anyone and make them useful in the advancement of His kingdom.
o The Picture of Redemption
Our final “peak” back at the book of Ruth displays an even greater picture of redemption. You may remember that the Moabites “did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you” (Deut. 23:4). As such: “No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the Lord; none of their descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the Lord” (Deut. 23:3). Yet in the tenth generation, and recounted in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:2-5), the ancient quarrel between Abraham and Lot is redemptively ended in the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. Once again, God redeems by grace.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Titus II Lesson -- November 8th
How Shall We Then Live in a Post-Christian Culture
“The Suffering of Believers – Suffering and Satan”
1 Peter 5:8-11
Review
In 1 Peter 1:13, after having explained the greatness of our salvation in 1 Peter 1:1-12 (i.e., what God has done in salvation), Peter says: “therefore.” That is, in light of this great salvation we are to live in a manner that is consistent with this great salvation. So, in 1 Peter 1:13-2:12, Peter sets forth seven calls to action related to our sanctification as believers. Next, Peter focuses on the submission of believers (2:13-3:12). In this section, Peter has something to say about Christians living in a society that is less than ideal, to slaves who are living in circumstances which are less than ideal, to husbands and wives who are living in marriages which are less than ideal, and to those who are living in churches which are less than ideal. Finally, we moved into the final section of the epistle that deals primarily with suffering. We have considered the “conduct” needed in the midst of suffering (3:13-17) and the example of Christ’s suffering and how that should encourage us to yield to suffering for doing what is right (3:18-4:6). We have considered three lessons (Do not be surprised by suffering; Do not be ashamed by suffering; Do not be confused by suffering) about suffering in 1 Peter 4:12-19. We have also considered the attitudes that represent the building blocks of spiritual maturity in times of suffering (submission, humility, and trust) in 1 Peter 5:1-7. (1) This week, we are going to consider three strategies to invoke when Satan uses suffering as a weapon (1 Peter 5:8-11).
Text
“8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Introduction
Peter continues his series of imperatives that he began in verse 5 – “be subject”, “humble yourselves”, etc. But here in verse 8, these imperatives are associated with our interaction with Satan. Satan is a creature with a great diversity of methods. Most of the time, he chooses to attack the believer indirectly through the impulses of the flesh (see Romans 7:7-25) and the world (see Romans 12:2). He seeks to catch us unawares, slipping up on us unnoticed (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:12-15). But sometimes, like we see here, Satan’s opposition is direct and frontal. (3) He is described as stalking us like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Now why is this lion roaring? If a lion wants to eat someone, you'd think it would sneak up on them instead of roaring. In fact that's the way the devil is described in other places: he's like a snake. A snake is subtle. It doesn't roar. It hides and slithers. A snake is dangerous because he is subtle, quiet, and hidden. But that's not the case here. Satan is dangerous for another reason. Satan is here compared to a lion. This is because a lion is dangerous not only because it sneaks, but because it's so strong. Even if you know it's there, you're a goner unless you have some power greater than yourself — like a rifle, a land rover, or in the case of Satan, God. (4)
So Peter's point here is not the devil's subtlety or craftiness, but his power. What power? Verse 9 tells us: "…resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." Satan’s power is his ability to make believers suffer. That is, the roaring jaws of the lion are the sufferings of the saints, designed by Satan for their devouring. Now you can see the difference between Satan as snake and Satan as lion. His “snakelikeness” is his indirect sneakiness. But his “lionlikeness” is his direct attack in suffering. The hardest thing about suffering is not usually that it sneaks up on you. The hardest thing about suffering is that it can overwhelm your faith with fear and pain. It can destroy your faith that God cares, or has any power to help, or even exists. That's exactly what Satan wants to happen, and that's why Peter says the lion is roaring. The roaring of the lion's jaws is the power of suffering to destroy our faith. (4)
Transition
In light of this aggressive stance that Satan can sometimes take, Peter sets forth three strategies to invoke when Satan uses suffering to devour Christians: “be sober”, “be alert”, and “resist him.” Let’s consider each of these one by one.
Be Sober
The first strategy is found in verse 8: "Be of sober spirit." This is not something new in this epistle. Peter has made reference to this before. Back in 1 Peter 1:13 he said: "Gird your minds for action and keep sober." In chapter 1 Peter 4:7 he said: "The end of all things is imminent, therefore be of sound judgment and sober for the purpose of prayer." Now what does this word "sober" really mean? It’s literal use is usually associated with intoxication. Yet, as it is used here and most commonly in the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to refer to self control. It means to be in control of the issues of life, having the priorities of life in the proper order and the proper balance. It requires a discipline of mind and a discipline of body that avoids the very intoxicating allurements of the world. (2) Why is it so important to be “sober” when a roaring lion is about? You do not want to be drunk or out of control when a roaring lion is about.
Be Alert
First, we are to be sober. Second, we are to be alert. Look at verse 8 again: “Be on the alert.” What is one risk of a believer who trusts in God’s mighty hand, who trusts in God’s care, who has confidence that he can cast all of our anxieties on Him? It is that we become lazy and let down our guard. It is that our confidence in God may lead to slackness. Why do we need to be alert? A roaring lion isn’t going to sneak up on you, is he? The point is that when you fight a lion, roaring with hunger, you better not be distracted. You need all your spiritual faculties. The spiritual warfare that we are in the middle of, demands that we be alert and vigilant.
Resist Him (3)
First, we are to be sober. Second, we are to be alert. Third, we are to resist him. In this epistle, Peter has had much to say on the subject of submission. We are to be subject to governing authorities, to earthly masters, to our mates, and to one another (2:13–3:12). The younger men are to be submissive to the elders (5:5), and all are to submit to God (5:6). Yet here, Peter encourages us to do the opposite. What is the opposite of submission? The opposite of submission is resistance. Peter tells us not to submit to Satan, no matter how authoritative his roar may sound. We are to resist him, believe the Scriptures, and stand firm in our faith.
Before considering how we are to resist Satan, let us first be very clear about what Peter does not mean by resisting him:
• Resisting Satan does not mean attacking him. Even Paul was reluctant to take him on (see Acts 16:16-18). Taking Satan and his henchmen on is dangerous business (see Acts 19:13-18).
• Resisting Satan does not suggest we should mock him or belittle him. Too many Christians make light of Satan as though he were no threat. They mock Satan and call him a “wimp.” This does not square with Peter’s description of Satan here, nor does it square with the attitude we are to manifest toward angelic powers (see Jude 8 and 9).
• Resisting Satan does not mean “rebuking,” “binding,” or “defeating” him. Resisting simply refers to our refusal to submit to him and our standing fast against his onslaughts, by divine enablement. Many Christians do “these” things even though there is no command to do so and even though there is no example of the saints having done so.
If this is not how we resist Satan, how do we resist Satan? We are to "resist him, standing firm in the faith." Peter does not say: "Run for your lives" or "Beg for mercy." He tells the Christians to put up a fight! To resist the devil is to refuse his demands, to foil his devices, and to even seize his domains. If the devil tempts us to sin, we resist the temptation by saying "no" to it and pursue holiness instead. If he spreads strife in the church, we resist him by preaching and practicing selfless love, by rebuking the troublemakers, and even by expelling the unrepentant. If he incites slander against us, we will answer by a rational discourse and our good conduct. And if he introduces false doctrines to seduce the minds of God's people, we resist him by refuting the error and teaching the truth. (5)
What is the key to standing fast against Satan’s attacks? Just as the key to submitting to God is faith, the key to standing fast against Satan’s attacks is faith. Remember, the words our Lord spoke to Peter just before his denial:
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded [permission] to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22: 31-32).
The key to Peter’s survival under Satan’s attack was his faith. Just as our Lord had prayed for him that his faith would not fail, faith is likewise the key to our resisting Satan’s attacks. Why is faith so essential? Because Satan’s direct frontal assaults (using suffering) against the believer are an attack on faith itself.
• When Satan tempted Adam and Eve, he tried to induce them to act independently (disobediently) of God. They were urged to act independently of God by Satan, raising doubts in their hearts about the trustworthiness of God. They could not understand why God would “hold back” the fruit of the forbidden tree and what it offered. They trusted in themselves (and Satan) by doubting God.
• When we are successful, Satan tempts us with pride, seeking to turn us from God because we think we no longer need Him. When we suffer, Satan tempts us with doubt and unbelief, trying to make us believe God has abandoned us so we will act independently of God to bring about what is in our best interest — or so we think.
Since faith is so essential, Peter provides us with several encouragements related to faith in verses 9 and 10. What are those encouragements?
• First, we can be firm in our faith because we know we are not alone in our suffering. There are others who are suffering for their faith and are standing fast as well. How is this an encouragement? When we suffer, we are tempted to think our situation is unique, that no one has ever faced the difficulties we are facing. Thus, standard biblical solutions and principles cannot apply possibly apply to us. We are an exception to the rule. Unfortunately, this mindset is in direct contradiction to the Word of God, for we read:
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We may think we are alone in our suffering, but we should be comforted and encouraged when we realize saints around the world are also suffering — some much more than us — and they too are standing fast, firm in their faith. Our faith silences Satan’s temptation for us to doubt God.
• The second basis for a firm faith is knowing that while Satan seeks to destroy us, God sovereignly actually uses his opposition to further His purposes and strengthen our faith. As Peter has already shown, trials and suffering are the means by which our faith is proven (see 1 Peter 1:7). Now, he says so again. Suffering is the means by which God — the God of all grace — perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes us (1 Peter 5:10). The very suffering which may appear to be the means Satan employs for our destruction are the means God employs for our deliverance and development. Behind the opposition of unbelievers stands Satan seeking to devour us. And behind Satan stands God, sure to perfect and purify us.
• The third basis for our faith is found in verse 11: “To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Satan claims to control much more than he does (see Matthew 4:9) and even demands that which is not his (Luke 22:31). He seeks dominion over all the earth and over the people of God, but dominion does not belong to him. It belongs to the Lord Jesus, whose death, burial and resurrection brought about Satan’s downfall (John 16:11; Ephesians 1:18-23; Colossians 8:15; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
Conclusion
Those are the three strategies that Peter encourages us to invoke against Satan when Satan uses suffering as a weapon. We are to “be sober”, “be alert”, and “resist him.” In closing, I want to address a few very interesting questions that are raised in this text.
1. First, what is the worst thing that Satan can do to you? He can only kill you. We see a clear picture of this in Revelation 2:10, where Jesus says to the church in Smyrna: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” In other words, Satan will throw some in prison so that some die there. But if they are faithful unto death (or as Peter says: "resist him firm in their faith"), they will live forever (or as Peter says: they will be "perfected, confirmed, strengthened and established."). Which means that successfully resisting the devil does not mean that he can't kill you. It only means he can't do you any ultimate harm. He can only kill you. And he can't even do that without God's will (1 Peter 4:19). (4)
2. Second, who causes suffering? In past lessons, I stated that the suffering of Christians is the judgment of God. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:16–17: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” Peter tells us that the suffering of Christians is God's purifying judgment. But now I am saying that suffering is Satan's attack. Which is it: the judgment of God or the jaws of the lion? The answer is: it's both. This is not new. It was both in the life of Job (cf. Job 1:12, 21; 2:7, 10) and it was both in the life of Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). If God is sovereign over all things (including Satan), then God has a different sovereign design in all the designs of Satan than Satan does himself. When Christians suffer, the devil's design is destructive pain. But God's design — in the same suffering — is constructive purification, holiness, and power. The devil aims to devour. God aims to empower, purify, and prepare for glory. (4)
3. Third, can true Christians be devoured? Peter says in verse 8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Satan’s aim is to devour. Devour is not the same as a scratch, a mauling, or a wounding. It is to chew up and swallow. I don't think there is any way to make this mean anything less than bring to ultimate ruin. The devil aims to take people with him to the lake of fire. So can true, born again, Christians possibly be devoured by the devil? No they can't. This is because true, born again Christians resist the devil by standing firm in their faith. That's the meaning of being true born again Christians -- they have the Holy Spirit inside moving them to fight the fight of faith. If God says — which He does say in 1 Peter 1:5 — that He will keep us eternally secure by His power through faith, then it is foolish and presumptuous for a believer to say: “I believe I am eternally secure but I don’t need to resist the devil firm in my faith.” Whoever does this is contradicting God and throwing away the warrant of his assurance. Peter shows us in verse 10 where our assurance is really found: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” What this verse promises is this: if God called you to His glory, He's going to get you to His glory. A little suffering in between is not going to stop Him. The meaning of being a Christian is that we have been effectually called to eternal glory (cf. 1:15; 2:9). This is Peter's way of saying what Paul said in Romans 8:30: “Whom God calls He also justifies, and whom He justifies He also glorifies.” Simply put – a true Christian can not be devoured by Satan. (4)
Endnotes
(1) John MacArthur, “Fundamental Attitudes for Spiritual Maturity, Part 1” (1 Peter 5:1-7)
(2) John MacArthur, “Fundamental Attitudes for Spiritual Maturity, Part 2” (1 Peter 5:8)
(3) Robert Deffinbaugh, “Suffering, Satan, and Standing Firm” (1 Peter 5:8-14)
(4) John Piper, “The Dominion Belongs to the God of All Grace” (1 Peter 5:8-14)
(5) Vincent Cheung, “A Commentary on First Peter”
“The Suffering of Believers – Suffering and Satan”
1 Peter 5:8-11
Review
In 1 Peter 1:13, after having explained the greatness of our salvation in 1 Peter 1:1-12 (i.e., what God has done in salvation), Peter says: “therefore.” That is, in light of this great salvation we are to live in a manner that is consistent with this great salvation. So, in 1 Peter 1:13-2:12, Peter sets forth seven calls to action related to our sanctification as believers. Next, Peter focuses on the submission of believers (2:13-3:12). In this section, Peter has something to say about Christians living in a society that is less than ideal, to slaves who are living in circumstances which are less than ideal, to husbands and wives who are living in marriages which are less than ideal, and to those who are living in churches which are less than ideal. Finally, we moved into the final section of the epistle that deals primarily with suffering. We have considered the “conduct” needed in the midst of suffering (3:13-17) and the example of Christ’s suffering and how that should encourage us to yield to suffering for doing what is right (3:18-4:6). We have considered three lessons (Do not be surprised by suffering; Do not be ashamed by suffering; Do not be confused by suffering) about suffering in 1 Peter 4:12-19. We have also considered the attitudes that represent the building blocks of spiritual maturity in times of suffering (submission, humility, and trust) in 1 Peter 5:1-7. (1) This week, we are going to consider three strategies to invoke when Satan uses suffering as a weapon (1 Peter 5:8-11).
Text
“8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Introduction
Peter continues his series of imperatives that he began in verse 5 – “be subject”, “humble yourselves”, etc. But here in verse 8, these imperatives are associated with our interaction with Satan. Satan is a creature with a great diversity of methods. Most of the time, he chooses to attack the believer indirectly through the impulses of the flesh (see Romans 7:7-25) and the world (see Romans 12:2). He seeks to catch us unawares, slipping up on us unnoticed (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:12-15). But sometimes, like we see here, Satan’s opposition is direct and frontal. (3) He is described as stalking us like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Now why is this lion roaring? If a lion wants to eat someone, you'd think it would sneak up on them instead of roaring. In fact that's the way the devil is described in other places: he's like a snake. A snake is subtle. It doesn't roar. It hides and slithers. A snake is dangerous because he is subtle, quiet, and hidden. But that's not the case here. Satan is dangerous for another reason. Satan is here compared to a lion. This is because a lion is dangerous not only because it sneaks, but because it's so strong. Even if you know it's there, you're a goner unless you have some power greater than yourself — like a rifle, a land rover, or in the case of Satan, God. (4)
So Peter's point here is not the devil's subtlety or craftiness, but his power. What power? Verse 9 tells us: "…resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." Satan’s power is his ability to make believers suffer. That is, the roaring jaws of the lion are the sufferings of the saints, designed by Satan for their devouring. Now you can see the difference between Satan as snake and Satan as lion. His “snakelikeness” is his indirect sneakiness. But his “lionlikeness” is his direct attack in suffering. The hardest thing about suffering is not usually that it sneaks up on you. The hardest thing about suffering is that it can overwhelm your faith with fear and pain. It can destroy your faith that God cares, or has any power to help, or even exists. That's exactly what Satan wants to happen, and that's why Peter says the lion is roaring. The roaring of the lion's jaws is the power of suffering to destroy our faith. (4)
Transition
In light of this aggressive stance that Satan can sometimes take, Peter sets forth three strategies to invoke when Satan uses suffering to devour Christians: “be sober”, “be alert”, and “resist him.” Let’s consider each of these one by one.
Be Sober
The first strategy is found in verse 8: "Be of sober spirit." This is not something new in this epistle. Peter has made reference to this before. Back in 1 Peter 1:13 he said: "Gird your minds for action and keep sober." In chapter 1 Peter 4:7 he said: "The end of all things is imminent, therefore be of sound judgment and sober for the purpose of prayer." Now what does this word "sober" really mean? It’s literal use is usually associated with intoxication. Yet, as it is used here and most commonly in the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to refer to self control. It means to be in control of the issues of life, having the priorities of life in the proper order and the proper balance. It requires a discipline of mind and a discipline of body that avoids the very intoxicating allurements of the world. (2) Why is it so important to be “sober” when a roaring lion is about? You do not want to be drunk or out of control when a roaring lion is about.
Be Alert
First, we are to be sober. Second, we are to be alert. Look at verse 8 again: “Be on the alert.” What is one risk of a believer who trusts in God’s mighty hand, who trusts in God’s care, who has confidence that he can cast all of our anxieties on Him? It is that we become lazy and let down our guard. It is that our confidence in God may lead to slackness. Why do we need to be alert? A roaring lion isn’t going to sneak up on you, is he? The point is that when you fight a lion, roaring with hunger, you better not be distracted. You need all your spiritual faculties. The spiritual warfare that we are in the middle of, demands that we be alert and vigilant.
Resist Him (3)
First, we are to be sober. Second, we are to be alert. Third, we are to resist him. In this epistle, Peter has had much to say on the subject of submission. We are to be subject to governing authorities, to earthly masters, to our mates, and to one another (2:13–3:12). The younger men are to be submissive to the elders (5:5), and all are to submit to God (5:6). Yet here, Peter encourages us to do the opposite. What is the opposite of submission? The opposite of submission is resistance. Peter tells us not to submit to Satan, no matter how authoritative his roar may sound. We are to resist him, believe the Scriptures, and stand firm in our faith.
Before considering how we are to resist Satan, let us first be very clear about what Peter does not mean by resisting him:
• Resisting Satan does not mean attacking him. Even Paul was reluctant to take him on (see Acts 16:16-18). Taking Satan and his henchmen on is dangerous business (see Acts 19:13-18).
• Resisting Satan does not suggest we should mock him or belittle him. Too many Christians make light of Satan as though he were no threat. They mock Satan and call him a “wimp.” This does not square with Peter’s description of Satan here, nor does it square with the attitude we are to manifest toward angelic powers (see Jude 8 and 9).
• Resisting Satan does not mean “rebuking,” “binding,” or “defeating” him. Resisting simply refers to our refusal to submit to him and our standing fast against his onslaughts, by divine enablement. Many Christians do “these” things even though there is no command to do so and even though there is no example of the saints having done so.
If this is not how we resist Satan, how do we resist Satan? We are to "resist him, standing firm in the faith." Peter does not say: "Run for your lives" or "Beg for mercy." He tells the Christians to put up a fight! To resist the devil is to refuse his demands, to foil his devices, and to even seize his domains. If the devil tempts us to sin, we resist the temptation by saying "no" to it and pursue holiness instead. If he spreads strife in the church, we resist him by preaching and practicing selfless love, by rebuking the troublemakers, and even by expelling the unrepentant. If he incites slander against us, we will answer by a rational discourse and our good conduct. And if he introduces false doctrines to seduce the minds of God's people, we resist him by refuting the error and teaching the truth. (5)
What is the key to standing fast against Satan’s attacks? Just as the key to submitting to God is faith, the key to standing fast against Satan’s attacks is faith. Remember, the words our Lord spoke to Peter just before his denial:
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded [permission] to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22: 31-32).
The key to Peter’s survival under Satan’s attack was his faith. Just as our Lord had prayed for him that his faith would not fail, faith is likewise the key to our resisting Satan’s attacks. Why is faith so essential? Because Satan’s direct frontal assaults (using suffering) against the believer are an attack on faith itself.
• When Satan tempted Adam and Eve, he tried to induce them to act independently (disobediently) of God. They were urged to act independently of God by Satan, raising doubts in their hearts about the trustworthiness of God. They could not understand why God would “hold back” the fruit of the forbidden tree and what it offered. They trusted in themselves (and Satan) by doubting God.
• When we are successful, Satan tempts us with pride, seeking to turn us from God because we think we no longer need Him. When we suffer, Satan tempts us with doubt and unbelief, trying to make us believe God has abandoned us so we will act independently of God to bring about what is in our best interest — or so we think.
Since faith is so essential, Peter provides us with several encouragements related to faith in verses 9 and 10. What are those encouragements?
• First, we can be firm in our faith because we know we are not alone in our suffering. There are others who are suffering for their faith and are standing fast as well. How is this an encouragement? When we suffer, we are tempted to think our situation is unique, that no one has ever faced the difficulties we are facing. Thus, standard biblical solutions and principles cannot apply possibly apply to us. We are an exception to the rule. Unfortunately, this mindset is in direct contradiction to the Word of God, for we read:
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We may think we are alone in our suffering, but we should be comforted and encouraged when we realize saints around the world are also suffering — some much more than us — and they too are standing fast, firm in their faith. Our faith silences Satan’s temptation for us to doubt God.
• The second basis for a firm faith is knowing that while Satan seeks to destroy us, God sovereignly actually uses his opposition to further His purposes and strengthen our faith. As Peter has already shown, trials and suffering are the means by which our faith is proven (see 1 Peter 1:7). Now, he says so again. Suffering is the means by which God — the God of all grace — perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes us (1 Peter 5:10). The very suffering which may appear to be the means Satan employs for our destruction are the means God employs for our deliverance and development. Behind the opposition of unbelievers stands Satan seeking to devour us. And behind Satan stands God, sure to perfect and purify us.
• The third basis for our faith is found in verse 11: “To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Satan claims to control much more than he does (see Matthew 4:9) and even demands that which is not his (Luke 22:31). He seeks dominion over all the earth and over the people of God, but dominion does not belong to him. It belongs to the Lord Jesus, whose death, burial and resurrection brought about Satan’s downfall (John 16:11; Ephesians 1:18-23; Colossians 8:15; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
Conclusion
Those are the three strategies that Peter encourages us to invoke against Satan when Satan uses suffering as a weapon. We are to “be sober”, “be alert”, and “resist him.” In closing, I want to address a few very interesting questions that are raised in this text.
1. First, what is the worst thing that Satan can do to you? He can only kill you. We see a clear picture of this in Revelation 2:10, where Jesus says to the church in Smyrna: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” In other words, Satan will throw some in prison so that some die there. But if they are faithful unto death (or as Peter says: "resist him firm in their faith"), they will live forever (or as Peter says: they will be "perfected, confirmed, strengthened and established."). Which means that successfully resisting the devil does not mean that he can't kill you. It only means he can't do you any ultimate harm. He can only kill you. And he can't even do that without God's will (1 Peter 4:19). (4)
2. Second, who causes suffering? In past lessons, I stated that the suffering of Christians is the judgment of God. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:16–17: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” Peter tells us that the suffering of Christians is God's purifying judgment. But now I am saying that suffering is Satan's attack. Which is it: the judgment of God or the jaws of the lion? The answer is: it's both. This is not new. It was both in the life of Job (cf. Job 1:12, 21; 2:7, 10) and it was both in the life of Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). If God is sovereign over all things (including Satan), then God has a different sovereign design in all the designs of Satan than Satan does himself. When Christians suffer, the devil's design is destructive pain. But God's design — in the same suffering — is constructive purification, holiness, and power. The devil aims to devour. God aims to empower, purify, and prepare for glory. (4)
3. Third, can true Christians be devoured? Peter says in verse 8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Satan’s aim is to devour. Devour is not the same as a scratch, a mauling, or a wounding. It is to chew up and swallow. I don't think there is any way to make this mean anything less than bring to ultimate ruin. The devil aims to take people with him to the lake of fire. So can true, born again, Christians possibly be devoured by the devil? No they can't. This is because true, born again Christians resist the devil by standing firm in their faith. That's the meaning of being true born again Christians -- they have the Holy Spirit inside moving them to fight the fight of faith. If God says — which He does say in 1 Peter 1:5 — that He will keep us eternally secure by His power through faith, then it is foolish and presumptuous for a believer to say: “I believe I am eternally secure but I don’t need to resist the devil firm in my faith.” Whoever does this is contradicting God and throwing away the warrant of his assurance. Peter shows us in verse 10 where our assurance is really found: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” What this verse promises is this: if God called you to His glory, He's going to get you to His glory. A little suffering in between is not going to stop Him. The meaning of being a Christian is that we have been effectually called to eternal glory (cf. 1:15; 2:9). This is Peter's way of saying what Paul said in Romans 8:30: “Whom God calls He also justifies, and whom He justifies He also glorifies.” Simply put – a true Christian can not be devoured by Satan. (4)
Endnotes
(1) John MacArthur, “Fundamental Attitudes for Spiritual Maturity, Part 1” (1 Peter 5:1-7)
(2) John MacArthur, “Fundamental Attitudes for Spiritual Maturity, Part 2” (1 Peter 5:8)
(3) Robert Deffinbaugh, “Suffering, Satan, and Standing Firm” (1 Peter 5:8-14)
(4) John Piper, “The Dominion Belongs to the God of All Grace” (1 Peter 5:8-14)
(5) Vincent Cheung, “A Commentary on First Peter”
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