Welcome back everyone, today is the third day of our Bible study this week, and the last verse we will look at in that phrasing “stand firm, but I want you to know, there were a lot of places where we can find it in our Bibles, I just picked three that I liked and hope that it hits your heart well. Remember this study really built out of Moses who told us we do not have to be afraid, we can stand firm, and be still and allow God to do what God does. This was awesome wasn’t it?
Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
We don’t have to be afraid, stand firm, be still, and let God do what God does…I love that.
So today we are looking at our last verse with the phrase “stand firm”, and while we hung out with Paul the last two days, today we are going to find our buddy Peter saying it as well, and I will tell you it is yet another intense word for us to study today. So, if you have a Bible and maybe something to write with grab it, and we will get started.
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. NLT
Wow right? Now I would like to ask you some questions, so let’s slow down and take the time to reflect intentionally on this verse and these questions.
- What can you take from this passage in the moments where you find yourself in a difficult spot?
- Peter tells us to stay alert and describes the enemy as a prowling lion looking for someone to devour? What does that imply? Do you see the enemy this way? Do you recognize the urgency of this Spiritual war?
- In verse 9 we see our phrasing stand firm against the enemy, but did you pick up on that last sentence? Remember that Christians everywhere are suffering too? Why would that be important to remember? If you thought a Christian life was an easier life how do you respond to Peter here?
Before you move on from this moment, take some time and pray, talk to your Heavenly Father about what it looks like to turn to God, and to find strength in Him and hopefully you can keep reflecting on this verse as you go about your day. Grab the image from social media, put it on your phone and keep centering on it, especially if you are struggling with life or feel like your back is against the wall find encouragement and strength in God’s word…remember what Peter told us again today.
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. NLT