Be Sober Be Vigilant Warning
Your Enemy the Devil Plot
It is always nice to have you back with us at Daily Bread for the
concluding chapter of Peter's first epistle. In the first chapter of
this letter, as you may recall, Peter was addressing this writing to
believing Jewish people who were not living in Israel, however, if
you're reading this letter before you read what Paul wrote in an
epistle to Timothy, let me tell you what he said. Paul said:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect [complete],
thoroughly furnished [prepared] unto all good works.
Peter will be talking about this a little bit more in his second
epistle as well, so just in case you didn't know, this letter is
really addressed to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Be Sober Be Vigilant Concern
Who Is Your Enemy the Devil
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Note: Be Sober Be Vigilant Point of Interest ... "Your adversary the devil" is not only the enemy of God, but it is written that he is also our enemy. Now, let's also refresh our memories a little bit about the character of Peter. Who is this person who is giving us this advice? Well, he's one of Jesus' twelve Apostles, who will sit on a throne in Jesus' kingdom judging the twelve tribes of Israel. He is the one that Jesus said would be called Cephas, which means, Rock, and Jesus said he would be the rock upon which Jesus would build His church.
Jesus told Peter that He would give him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and said, that whoever Peter found innocent on earth would be found innocent in Heaven and whoever he held as bound (guilty) on earth, would be held bound in Heaven. That's why people imagine Peter at the gates of Heaven, with the authority of deciding who enters and who doesn't.
Peter is the Apostle who walked on water to Jesus. He is also the Apostle who denied Jesus three times the night of Jesus' arrest. Peter jumped from a fishing boat and swam to shore when Jesus appeared to the Apostles on the shore one morning after His resurrection. Peter's shadow healed people. An Angel of God freed Peter when He was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel.
Peter was the one who had the vision of the sheet, with the message of God, saying that the Gentiles were now accepted by God. Peter indeed started the foundation of the Church. He has some impressive credentials, and he has genuine human qualities as well. He spent 3½ years with Jesus at His side, ministering to Him, learning from Him, loving Him. Let's go ahead and read what else he has to share with us now.
1 Peter 5:1-3
1 The elders which are among you I exhort [urge], who am
also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a
partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking
the oversight thereof [taking responsibility for them], not by
constraint [not by force], but willingly; not for filthy lucre
[dishonest gain], but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being
examples to the flock.
Remember when Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep (John
21:15-17)? Now, Peter is passing on the privilege to us. He goes
on:
1 Peter 5:4-5
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall
receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.
Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with
humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
This is truly something that young people have forgotten how to do.
The world has made it cool to be disrespectful, and peers encourage
this kind of behavior everywhere. It's absolutely astounding how
children talk to their teachers, their relatives, their coaches,
their parents ... And the list goes on. Peter would be horrified. He
says:
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of
God, that He may exalt you [lift you up] in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.
Be Sober Be Vigilant Truth
Your Enemy the Devil Danger
Many of us can use this advice about being humble, ourselves, and
then our examples to our children may make some difference. A little
weed, if it's not pulled when it's little, can become a tree that's
next to impossible to get rid of.
Now, Peter gives
some great advice, that you may want to take to heart, because a lot of
folks don't really believe that it's true, but it really is. He says:
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as
a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
If you've read the Book of
Job, you know that this is true. And the movies that you see with
spirits lurking around, which seem so much like science fiction, are
not really so far fetched. They're really waiting for every weak
moment that you have as an opportunity to pounce. You can't see them,
that's why many don't believe it, but you can't see the wind either.
You can't see love. You can't see heat or cold. Yet you believe in
all those things. They're out there searching. It is not pleasant to
imagine but it is Truth that there are evil
spirits that seek to have you fail.
However we have been given power over these evil
spirits but rejoice not in that Truth but that our names are written in the
Book of Life (Luke
10:19-20).
No, it is best not to open the door to evil spirits by way of fear,
doubt, pride, anger, lust etc., ... But rather, ponder on the Holy
Spirit as He is The Comforter of our souls.
Peter says:
1 Peter 5:9-11
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same
afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all Grace, who
hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye
have suffered a while, make you perfect [complete], stablish
[confirm], strengthen, settle [comfort] you.
11 To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Sober Be Vigilant Summary
God's Grace Keeps Your Enemy the Devil Away
In closing, the letter says:
1 Peter 5:12-14
12 [Penned] By Silvanus [Peter dictated the letter and
Silvanus wrote it down], a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose
[believe], I have written briefly, exhorting [encouraging], and
testifying that this is the true Grace of God wherein ye stand.
13 The church that is at Babylon, elected [chosen]
together with you, saluteth [greets] you; and so doth Marcus my son.
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity [Love].
Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
What a wonderful letter! Don't you wish you could receive a letter
like that? Well, guess what ... You just did! Whenever you receive a
letter, you probably usually read it at least twice, to make sure you
didn't miss anything. Well, just put a little "Dear Your Name Here
" at the beginning of any of the letters in the Bible, and read
them again. You'll find that you've really missed a lot reading them
through only once. Congratulations on completing The First Epistle of
Peter with Daily Bread. As always, can't wait to have you join again
for more, so be sure to come on back 'cause we've got more mail for
ya! Next time we'll be opening The Second Epistle of Peter at Daily
Bread. See you then!
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New Testament Daily Bread
Excellent Christian Resources
Bible Hub ... 1 Peter 5:8 Commentaries - As a roaring lion. - Be sober … vigilant—"Care," that is, anxiety, will intoxicate the soul; therefore be sober, that is, self-restrained.
BibleRef.com ... What does 1 Peter 5:8 mean? Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. NIV Be alert and of sober mind.
Faith, Hope, Prayer ... Scriptures On Fighting the Enemy | The following are scriptures to use in fighting an enemy, be it the Devil, a demon, or anything else: The Attitude of Battle Humility and Obedience to God.
Got Questions ... Why are we supposed to be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)? Sobriety is a state of being. To be vigilant means “to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.”
Holy Spirit ... Be Sober Be Vigilant by getting close to the Holy Spirit who will protect you from your Enemy the devil.
Pinterest ... Pin on spiritual warfare - “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm ...
Quora ... Why are we supposed to be sober and vigilant because the devil has been angered and is furious, knowing that his ways won't last much longer (Revelation 12:12).
The Gospel Coalition ... Satan Is Our Enemy. The Gospel Is Our Cause. Our ultimate enemy is the devil. Jesus says so. He calls Satan “the enemy” (Luke 10:19). He tempted the first parents. He continues to do so.
After you have completed the Be Sober Be Vigilant meaning Bible study looking at the your Enemy the devil Bible verse concerns ... You can also check out some of the other Christian entertainment, games, music, books, mall, studies and programs within our Christian community below ...
