On the night before the cross, Jesus told Peter, "Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you" (Luke 22:31). That ominous warning set the tone for Peter's night with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the courtyard of the high priest. In the garden, Jesus told Peter to watch and pray, but instead, he slept. In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter was embarrassed by his association with Jesus, so he denied his Lord three times. It became the lowest point of Peter's life.
Graciously and mercifully, Jesus restored and forgave Peter, but Peter never forgot that night. Satan, Jesus told him, was coming, but Peter was not sober-minded or watchful, and it cost him dearly.
Now, writing to a church suffering under the threat of persecution, Peter gives a strong warning about Satan's desire to sift them like wheat. These Christians were marginalized by society. They had to figure out how to live as sojourners and exiles. So Peter told them:
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
But Peter's words weren't only for that generation of the church, but for every generation since that time, including us. The enemy of our souls is constantly on the prowl, trying to render the church useless for the kingdom of God. Jesus gave us a mission. Satan hates that mission. And he works tirelessly to make us ineffective for that mission.
But what are we to do with this reality? First, we must realize the gravity of the situation. Second, we must resist this enemy. And third, we must reflect on the way Jesus combatted the forces of darkness on the cross.
1. Realize
The Devil Is Real
It is important to realize the gravity of the situation. The Devil is a real figure. I understand that the modern mind has trouble believing in the reality of Satan; I happen to believe one of his vilest strategies is to convince the world he does not exist. Nor do I think the modern mind is equipped to make such a determination.
Theologically, our minds are darkened and under sin, children of wrath before Christ rescues us. Culturally, we are deluded into thinking that if we cannot study and observe it through the sciences, it must not be real.
And though I appreciate the sciences, I appreciate Jesus more (not that they are in contradiction). I have already quoted Jesus about Satan; he knew the wicked one was at work in Peter's life that night. And he often spoke of the Devil and his work on earth. In fact, his public ministry kicked off with a period of forty days of temptation at the hands of the wicked one. Jesus was more familiar with the Devil than anyone.
Another reason for Jesus' understanding of the Devil is that he, in a sense, created him. In the timeline of Scripture, Satan first appears in heaven as a beautiful and innocent leader of angelic choirs. His next appearance is in the garden of Eden as the Tempter of our souls. Clearly, something happened between his glorious presence in God's throne room and his insidious work in God's garden. And though the biblical record is scant, there are various passages that hint at a rebellion of Satan with a swath of other angels. These fallen beings were exalted with self-worship and became the demonic powers of darkness in invisible operation throughout the world to this day. They are destined for the fires of hell -- the Bible teaches that the lake of fire was created for them -- but they wreak havoc on earth today. One day, when Jesus returns, Satan and his forces will be bound and ultimately judged, but right now, he roams the earth like a wounded animal lashing out violently until the day of his total demise. d
And the Bible is full of references to this being. Here, in 1 Peter, he is called the Devil, which is a Greek translation of the word "Satan," a name that means "slanderer." And slander is his infamous work! He loves to lie to you about yourself, about others, and, most importantly, about God. And he does this to the nations.
But the Bible has other titles for him as well -- the Evil One because he is intrinsically evil and the promoter of it (John 17:15). He is called the Great Dragon because he is a violent and chaos-creating creature (Revelation 12:3, 7, 9). He is called the Serpent Of Old because he was the original deceiver who deceived Eve and continues to deceive mankind (Revelation 12:9). He is called Abaddon, which means "destruction," because he is the embodiment of destruction (Revelation 9:11). He is called Apollyon, which means "destroyer," because his greatest aim as a hater of God is to destroy human life (Revelation 9:11). He is called Belial, which means "worthless," because he and his kingdom are without value (2 Corinthians 6:15). He is called the God of this world because he controls the philosophies of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is called the ruler of this world because he is the manipulator and leader of the world system (John 12:31). He is called the Prince Of The Power Of The Air because he controls the minds of the unbelieving world (Ephesians 2:2). He is called the Tempter, a murderer, a liar, and the Accuser (Matthew 4:3, John 8:44, Revelation 12:10). He is even called The Lord Of The Flies (Matthew 12:24). I'm not even sure why, but it seems so fitting.
And Jesus, who referred to him twenty-five times, isn't the only New Testament witness to his reality. Every single New Testament writer makes mention of him. Nineteen of the twenty-seven New Testament books detail him.
He Prowls Like A Devouring Lion
And Peter wants us to know that this being prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (8). Other Bible passages compare him to a fowler who entraps his prey (Psalm 91:3). Others see him as an angel of light who deceives people by appearing to be something he isn't (2 Corinthians 11:14). But the imagery Peter uses presents him as a roaring lion.
The lion is an intimidating figure. Our impressions about them have been formed by nature shows and YouTube clips and Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King. But a lion is an impressive and awesome predator.
I have told many of you of the time I came within twenty feet of a large mountain lion at the top of Jack's Peak here in Monterey. With my headphones bumping, I trudged to the top, only to lift my head in time to see a massive and muscular cat strutting across the trail -- it acted like it didn't see me, but a rush of fear coursed through my body. I stood behind a tree. I waited for it to crest the hill and out of sight. And then I Usain Bolted back down the hill and to my house in record time.
But what did Peter's audience think about lions? They hadn't watched nature shows. But their fears might've been more severe than ours. Some of them might've seen (or heard of) human blood dripping from the mouths of starved lions in the goriness of the Roman amphitheater. They might have felt a very real threat of death at the mouths of lions for being Christians.
A roaring lion is usually declaring his territory, warning rivals to stay away. And Satan is doing all he can to claim as much territory for himself as he can. He is doing all he can to intimidate you and cause you to fear. If he can get you fearful, he can get you to retreat, often right into one of his traps.
And when he does this, Peter said his aim is to devour (8). Peter used a Greek word that means "to drink down." Like a bottle being drained, Satan wants to fully eliminate God's people. It reminds me of when Jesus released the demons from a man in Gadera one day. He permitted the demons to go into a herd of pigs -- and they immediately trampled off a cliff into the waters below (Mark 5). Destroyer.
He Is The Ultimate Adversary
And, here, Peter calls him our adversary (8). All through the letter, Peter has refused to single out our opponent. He has written of the disobedient, the Gentiles, and the foolish (2:7-8, 4:17, 2:12, 2:15). He has written of harsh masters, unbelieving husbands, those who "revile our good behavior," and "blasphemers" (2:18, 3:1, 3:16, 4:4). But, here, Peter lifts the curtain and shows us our true, singular adversary. Behind human forces and philosophies that are hostile to the gospel lies Satan himself. He is our true adversary.
And why does he hate and attack God's people? Why are we in this constant spiritual war? The answer is simple: the Devil wants as many people as possible to be destroyed with him on the day of judgment. He has been cast out from God's presence because he is a hater of God, so he wants as many as possible to hate God and God's presence along with him.
But why would he then attack Christ's church? Because we are God's strategic instrument for telling and showing our world the truth about God and his gospel. If he can render us fruitless, he can keep people locked away in darkness, separated from God. So he does everything he can to keep the church from the ministry of reconciliation God has called us to.
So Satan works to make us fruitless by a few means. First, he discourages us. Discouragement slows our efforts for the kingdom and opens us up to thousands of temptations. Second, he divides us. Silly and inconsequential skirmishes and divisions are a great way for us to lose our impact. With godly unity, we can get a lot done. Without it, we are marginally effective. And third, he distracts us. Sins, temptations, and good things that keep us from the best things are a way he will fill our lives and time to keep us from making disciples.
So know this, the enemy of our souls is working hard to discourage, divide, and distract God's people. But Christ wants to help us boldly stand against his empty roars. He is an enemy who has already lost. Jesus has "disarmed the rulers and authorities," Satan included, "and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them" at the cross (Colossians 2:13-15). So how are we to respond to this enemy?
2. Respond
With Spiritual Watchfulness
First, we respond to this enemy with spiritual watchfulness. Peter said we should be sober-minded and watchful (8). This is not the first time Peter told us to be sober-minded (1:13, 4:7). And both these words together mean we are to diligently maintain a healthy mental state when marginalized or exiled for the gospel. We are not to respond with unrighteous anger, unbecoming retreat, or ungodly assimilation. We aren't to lash out at the very world we are trying to reach. We aren't to run for safer territories. And we aren't to compromise our beliefs in an attempt to appease our opponents. First, Peter says, we are to employ spiritual watchfulness.
When I encountered my mountain lion and two other times when I saw them out on the trails, the first thing that I did was remove my headphones. I needed all my senses working at full capacity.
And so it is with the enemy of our souls. We have to be on high alert, ready for inevitable attacks that will come. If he is trying to discourage us, divide us, or distract us, we must be ready. Since he's trying to discourage us, we better live near-constant sources of encouragement -- the word and encouraging believers, to name a couple. Since he's trying to divide us, we better get the gospel front and center so that we don't divide over inconsequential matters. And since he's trying to distract us, we better fill our calendars and spend our money on the things of his kingdom. We must be sober-minded and watchful.
By Resisting
Second, we respond to this enemy through resistance. Peter said we should resist him (9). A person who resists the Devil does not retreat. If anything, they advance.
Last weekend I spoke at a men's retreat and a Sunday church service for a church in Central Washington. They've got some great people in that area, and the men of the church were great guys. Lots of flannel, camo, and beards. And guns.
On the opening night, the retreat center staff shared with us that a mountain lion had been seen on the grounds every four or five days. Be alert. Apparently, that area is flooded with mountain lions, so much so that the state gives hunting licenses as a way to thin the mountain lion population.
Well, during the Saturday free-time, I saw one brother and wondered what he was going to do for free time. He had on a camouflage coat and a rifle on his shoulder. He was going to hunt the mountain lion. That was a first for me at a men's retreat. At ours, we play cornhole during our free time.
But, no matter how you feel about hunting wildlife, you must admit this guy was going on the offensive.
And Peter gives the same idea. Resist him!
And this resistance is the idea of James and Paul as well. James said:
James 4:7 (ESV) — 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.
And Paul is the one who told us we aren't battling people ("flesh and blood"), but cosmic powers of this present darkness (Ephesians 6:12). He said we must take up our spiritual armor and weapons to take our stand against this unseen enemy with their fiery darts (Ephesians 6:13-20).
When Satan attacks through discouragement or division or distraction, resist him. But how?
When you are discouraged by the ongoing presence of temptation in your life, battle back by praying for those you know who are similarly tempted. Satan hates a praying Christian. In a sense, to pray is to return nuclear bombs for his fiery darts.
When you are tempted to divide from other believers, begin to reach out with words of encouragement, edification, and comfort to believers you know. Satan hates the unity of the church. In a sense, words of healing and help and upbuilding are a way to return the truth for his lies.
And when you are distracted or overrun with the cares of this life, begin to worship God. Satan was a worship leader in heaven before he was filled with pride. He hates the worship of God. In a sense, the worship of God is a way to put Satan in his place.
But, by the victory of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, resist!
By Trusting God
Third, we respond to this enemy by trusting God. Peter said we must stand firm in our faith (9). We cannot endure Satan's attacks if we don't trust God. And we can't endure Satan's attacks if we let go of "the faith" -- if we let go of the gospel. Instead, we must lean into God's character, goodness, grace, and strength while holding onto the beautiful gospel message with which we've been entrusted.
We cannot avoid the roaring lion and his attempts to devour us by relinquishing the gospel, modifying our behavior, or adapting our beliefs to society's beliefs. Instead, if it is social acceptance or the gospel, we must choose the gospel.
And we must continue to walk by faith. When Satan lies to us, we must instead believe God. Satan told Eve God was holding out on her. He told her God was not as good as she was led to believe. But we know better. God is good. We've seen the cross. And when Satan tries to delude or confuse us about who God is, we must run back to the base of the cross and the arms of Christ. God is good. He must be trusted.
With Knowledge Of A Special Connection
Fourth, and finally, we respond to this enemy with the knowledge of a special connection. Peter said we must know that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by our brotherhood throughout the world (9).
How is this helpful? Well, Peter wants us to see ourselves not as an isolated, marginalized minority of scattered Christians. Instead, he wants us to see ourselves as part of a broader and historical family of God that has always suffered at least a little for the gospel. Throughout the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered for the gospel. We are all connected, which is why Peter used the word "brotherhood" to describe us.
A French theologian and pastor named Samuel Bénétreau highlighted four advantages gained from knowing that the church throughout the world is enduring similar suffering.
There is the encouragement that you aren't alone and isolated, suffering in a unique way.
You are reminded that the bond that unites you to this brotherhood is the blood of Jesus. So your suffering for Christ is evidence that you belong to him.
By seeing it everywhere and at all times, you are reminded that it is a normal part of the Christian life to suffer a bit for the faith. It is abnormal to be the majority. Most Christians throughout history have had to figure out how to do the Christian life in societies that were suspicious of them and their beliefs.
The sufferings of the church point us to an inevitable end of those sufferings. One day, tears will be no more. "The promised land is in view."
3. Reflect
Jesus, Our Champion
In closing, I would like to suggest a third action. I have told you to realize Satan's existence. I have told you to respond with spiritual watchfulness, resistance, trust in God, and knowledge of your special connection to a brotherhood of suffering Christians. But, finally, I would encourage you to reflect on Jesus.
You see, Jesus did all the things Peter just exhorted us to do.
While on earth, Jesus was sober and watchful. He spent his mornings alone in prayer with his Father in heaven. He was alert to the oppressive and demonic presence around him. He knew what the Devil was doing to people. He could not be swayed off his mission. He was focused and determined, his face set like flint towards Jerusalem and the agonies that awaited him there. And before he went to his cross, he endured a night of watching and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was sober and watchful.
And Jesus resisted the enemy. He went into the wilderness immediately after his baptism for forty days of temptation. With Scripture, he defended himself against the lies of Satan. But then, when he went to the cross, he went on the offensive, crushing the serpent under his feet.
And Jesus trusted the Father. He would believe no lies about his Father in the wilderness, and he always did that which pleased the Father.
And Jesus was conscious of the special connection he had with every suffering saint that had come before him. He even told a parable about a vineyard a man had leased out to others. When it was time for the man to collect some of the produce of the vineyard, he sent servant after servant. All of them were beaten or killed. Eventually, he sent his son, and they killed him. Clearly, Jesus was talking about himself and all the prophets who came before him (Mark 12:1-12). They all suffered. So would he. And he would die. Somehow, this brought comfort to our Lord.
Brothers and sisters, our Lord has defeated the lion! He is the true Lion, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! He has come. Do not lose heart. He is coming.