Matt Morton
“Resisting the Enemy”
1 Peter 5:8-14
God's enemy the devil seeks to destroy us and render us ineffective in God's service. We can resist him through dependence upon God, solidarity with the body of Christ, and an eternal perspective.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
—Ephesians 6:12
I. Look Out for Satan’s Schemes (8).
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
—John 8:44
Lies of the Enemy:
▪ God is not good (Genesis 3; 1 Jn 4:7-8).
▪ God will not meet my needs (Luke 4:3-4; Phil 4:19).
▪ I am beyond forgiveness (Zechariah 3:1; Col 2:14).
II. Resist Satan’s Attacks (9-11).
A. Through Faith in God (9a).
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
—James 4:7-8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
—Philippians 4:8
B. Through the Body of Christ (9b).
C. Through an Eternal Perspective (10-11).
III. Stay Strong and Faithful (12-14)!