1 Peter 5: Resist the Devil

Today’s reading is 1 Peter 5

Throughout this letter, Peter has talked about how we should behave in the presence of Gentiles who do not believe, who belittle us, who mock us, who persecute us. We suffer. But as we suffer, we behave honorably so those who mistreat us may be put to shame. More than that, they will be surprised by our distinct hope. Some will even ask about it. Some will be lured to our hope. Some will be won by our hope.

But right here at the end of the letter, Peter lets us in on an open secret. The enemy behind the suffering, the grievous trials, the persecutions, the afflictions is not actually the people doing these things. The adversary is the devil. He has one goal with the hardships we face. He is looking for someone to devour. You are that someone. He wants to devour you.

We must understand what is at stake. As we face the persecutions and the sufferings, Satan wants to convince us to abandon God. He claims we will be protected, safe, pleased if we quit living honorably and instead go along with the sin of those around us. Life will be easier. And, perhaps, for a time, it will seem easier. We may get to live “the good life” for a while. We may have great pleasures for a time. But all the while, the devil is devouring us one little bit at a time.

We need to resist the devil. We need to resist his tools and weapons, whether the tools he uses are godless governments, harsh masters, or unbelieving spouses. There will be times we think the resistance is futile. There will be times we think the resistance is too hard. There will be times we think the resistance isn’t worth it. Life would be so much easier if we would just compromise here and there, now and then. A little compromise never hurt anyone, right? No need to get extreme, right? I mean, its not like we have to be perfect to get to heaven or anything, right?

But with each compromise, the devil is nibbling away. So Peter tells us, “Resist him!” That will only happen if we are firm in our faith. Our level of conviction will determine our level of resistance. Do we really believe in God? Do we really believe God? Do we really believe He has a reward for us? Do we really believe His ways are good for us? Do we really believe Satan’s ways are bad for us? Believe God. Believe He rewards those who seek Him and resist the adversary.

Are you worried you won’t make it? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried you aren’t strong enough? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried you don’t have what it takes? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried about past failures? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you.

And remember, you aren’t alone. Brothers and sisters all over the world experience the same temptations and persecutions you do. You haven’t been singled out. The trials are not a sign you have been rejected. Satan’s attacks are not a sign you have been abandoned by God. Satan’s attacks are a sign you are with God and Satan is desperate to capture you.

Be on the alert. Keep your head about you. Be ready for the attack. Resist it. Cast your concerns, worries, and anxieties in the middle of all this on God. He will win. Therefore you will win.

Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is 1 Peter 5.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier.

PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family

How does 1 Peter 5 prompt or improve your hope in God?

Don’t Abuse Authority

Today’s reading is Matthew 19.

For many of us, Matthew 19:1-9 is pretty familiar. We’ve heard all kinds of sermons about it. We’ve been in all kinds of classes. We’ve read all kinds of articles. Everyone has their opinion about how it fits within the context of the modern debates on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Before we get to that, perhaps we should back up and ask how it fits within the context of Matthew 17-20.

Please, don’t miss this account is dropped by Matthew between two pretty pointed teachings about childlike humility. In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus explained to the disciples if they even wanted to be in the kingdom, they had to become humble like children. Immediately following this teaching about divorce, in Matthew 19:13-15, Matthew reminds us the kingdom is made up of little children. How does the teaching about marriage and divorce fit within that context of childlike humility?

Have you ever noticed that in Matthew’s account, only the husband’s action to divorce is mentioned contra Mark 10:10-12? I obviously don’t know all of Matthew’s and Mark’s reasons for what they included and what they left out. However, in the context of teaching on humility, I can grasp why Matthew focuses on husbands.

Think about it this way. The Pharisees’ question in Matthew 19:3 is basically, “Can a husband toss aside his wife for just any reason?” Just think about the basis of this question. It assumes the husband’s headship and assumes because of that headship the husband can essentially do whatever he wants. It’s a question that assumes the one in authority can act with impunity no matter how it impacts those under his leadership.

In the context of childlike humility, the point is not that there is no headship, leadership, or role of authority. The point is that the one who is the leader, is the head, has the authority is not allowed to abuse it. Being the leader doesn’t convey greater value. Being the head doesn’t convey special rights. Being the one in authority doesn’t convey preferential treatment. No, the head of the household is not allowed to toss aside the helper in the house for just any reason. His headship does not grant him the right to act with impunity. Husband and wife are one. They are joined. They may have different roles in the marriage, but neither role is free to abuse, neglect, or take the other for granted.

The humble do not abuse the authority they have been given. Rather, they commit. They serve. They sacrifice themselves. They soften their own stubborn hearts to love even those they lead.

By the way, when we recognize the connection between what we are reading in Matthew 18-19 and what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-32, we recognize the ultimate outcome for this arrogant, self-righteous husband who would just try to toss his wife aside for any reason is to have his whole body cast into hell. An arrogant husband, a self-righteous leader in any scenario, may seem to get away with the abuse for a time. But know this: judgment is coming.

Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 19.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier sparked by this post.

Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family

1. What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
2. Why is abusing authority so easy for people?
3. In what ways other than the illustration used in Matthew 19:1-9 do people often abuse authority?
4. What advice would you give to those in authority in any arena to humble themselves and serve instead of abuse?
5. What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?