1 Peter 5:8-11

Being Watchful and Standing Firm

Even though Christ's followers can cast their worries upon God, they cannot go to sleep on the job and fail to be watchful for themselves. They must maintain a calm, thoughtful and watchful attitude. The reason for such an attitude is the devil. Woods says, "An 'adversary' is, technically, an opponent in a lawsuit; here, it is used to identify Satan as the one on the opposite side of a trial for life or death." The word "devil" indicates he is a slanderer and false accuser of the saints. He is like a hungry lion that is growling as he runs after his prey. Woods says the words "walks about" refer to a restless walking up and down as he constantly looks for a victim. He will swallow up, or destroy, any whom he catches outside of the fold (1 Peter 5:8).

Like soldiers holding the line in battle, the apostle urged God's children to stand firm against the attacks of the devil. Their ability to stand firm originates in the faith produced by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Knowing the devil is pursuing ought to cause Christians to constantly study the Bible in an effort intended to help stand fast against him. Any suffering endured by Christians standing firm is not unique to them. Other brethren have suffered and died for their faith (1 Peter 5:9).

Peter then concentrated on one characteristic of God, His grace. God is the great giver of unmerited favor. God calls His people through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13) to share in His eternal glory, which is in Christ (A.S.V.). Though disciples might have to suffer for a time, Peter said it is nothing compared to their eternal reward. Peter's prayer for them was that God would "perfect" them, which would be to ready them for service. This is the same word used in Mark 1:19, which is translated "mending".

Peter also prayed that God would shore them up, "establish," like one might a wall that was teetering. He also wanted God to give them strength in the face of severe trials. When Christians realize God's glory will not fail or His dominion diminish, it is easier to face temporary trials (1 Peter 5:10-11).