Once again, Peter returns to one of the major themes of this brief letter, the idea that we will experience suffering because of our faith. This time, he identifies the root cause of it. See it for yourself in 1 Peter 5:8-9.

This is not the first time that Peter encourages self-control in this letter either. He has done so already in 1:13 and 4:7. But this time, he adds to it and tells his readers to stay alert as well. This is a common instruction through out the New Testament, but is the first time Peter has used it. His reason for including it is that the enemy, the devil, is looking for any opportunity to trip us up.

For the first time, Peter identifies this enemy. It is Satan, the devil, who is behind all the suffering and persecution that believers face. Peter describes him as a lion, a very powerful and menacing image to first century readers. The lion is a powerful predator, and is very intimidating, especially when faced in the wild. Peter uses this metaphor to describe the enemy, and his pursuit of Christians. He is looking for any and every opportunity to trap us, to tempt us, and to devour us.

In response to these attacks, Peter offers a simple, yet proven, strategy. Our job is to resist him. And just how are we to do that? By standing firm in our faith. Holding fast to our commitment to Christ is the only way we can win against such a powerful enemy. Note that Peter does not instruct us to fight back, to attack. Our only response is to resist, and that is by drawing closer to the only one who can protect us, the one who has already defeated this enemy.

As an additional encouragement, Peter reminds his first century readers that they were not alone. Their brothers in the faith, all over the world, were experience exactly the same kinds of things. Nothing has changed. Persecution still occurs. We still are being attacked by the enemy, and he is more deadly than ever. But we are not alone in this experience. The family of God all over the world is experiencing the same thing, many times in worse ways than we are. We can take heart and stand together.

This statement reminds of what Peter has already said, back in 4:12:

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

Why can we take heart? Because, as Peter will state in the very next verse, we have someone who is in the process of protecting us, and who will restore us. Christ has already defeated the enemy. It is done. And while he still antagonizes the world with his hatred of God, Satan’s time is limited, and God will take steps to restore and strengthen his people.

In the meantime, stand firm, resist the enemy, and hold fast to your faith.

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