"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:1-9
In fighting against the forces of the devil and the forces of darkness, we are to RESIST (set oneself against, to be hostile towards).
We resist because the devil is a prowling lion and seeks to devour us.
“Satan watches all opportunities to break our peace, to wound our consciences, to lessen our comforts, to impair our graces, to slur our evidences, and to damp (put out) our assurances (of salvation).” Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, pg. 280
We resist because to leave sin unconfessed and unresisted is to give the devil an opportunity.
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27
We resist because the devil's plan is to (James 1:14-15):
1. lure and entice us into sin (sin is conceived).
2. cause sin to be birthed in us.
3. when sin is fully grown it leads to death.
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1:14-15
Because the way of the nonresistance of being lulled to sleep leads to death, while life in the power of the Holy Spirit leads to life.
"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:12-13
Heidelberg Catechism, Question 89
Q: What is the dying of the old man?
A: Heartfelt sorrow for sin, causing us to hate and turn from it always more and more (We are to be firm in faith (firm = strong, steadfast, not soft, but mighty).
"But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'” 2 Timothy 2:19
We are firm in faith:
1. when we realize that life is a b___________.
2. when we comprehend the g________ and j________ of our salvation.
“The gospel is not something partial or piecemeal: It takes a whole life, the whole of history, the whole world. It tells us about the creation and the final judgment and everything in between. It is a complete, whole view of life, and many are unhappy in the Christian life because they have never realized that this way of life caters, for the whole of man's life and covers every eventuality in his experience. There's no aspect of life but that the gospel has something to say about it. The whole of life must come under its influence because it is all inclusive; the gospel is meant to control and govern everything in our lives." D. Martin Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, Chapter 4
“We must..." comprehend, embrace and enjoy (1 Peter 1:8, 1 Peter 2:3, 1 Peter 4:7).
Heidelberg Catechism, Question 90
Q: What is the quickening of the new man?
A: Heartfelt joy in God through Christ, causing us to take delight in living according to the will of God in all good works understand that we are in the fight of faith with our brothers and sisters.
Key Thoughts:
• The battle of faith
• Mind, heart, and will
• We're in the fight of faith with our brothers and sisters; no one is immune or finished in this race.
• Beware of lopsided, unbalanced biblical faith.
“Resist.” Marie Durand (1711-1776, 36 years in prison, after the death of her mother, husband, and brother)
“I have only one message for the people of India. I’m not bitter, neither am I angry, but I have one great desire: that each citizen of this country should establish a personal relationship with Christ who gave his life for their sins. Let us burn hatred and spread the flame of Christ’s love.” Great Gladys Stains (1999: her husband and two boys, ages 8 and 10, were burned to death by militant Hindus in India.)
Answer Key: battlefield, glory and joy