1 Peter 5:8-9 8Be self-controlled, be alert. Your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Firmly resist him with faith, since you know that the same kinds of sufferings are being realized by your family fellowship throughout the world.
Peter gives two short commands that challenge the readers to be disciplined. Humility from verse 6 does not mean weakness; otherwise, believers would become vulnerable to temptation and our enemy, the devil. We must be self-controlled (nēpsate) describes a well-balanced life of self-awareness. The word is sometimes translated as “sober,” but that might be meaningless to those who do not drink alcohol. The term can be broader and refer to being clear-headed (1:13). Alert (grēgorēsate) expresses a similar idea of being awake and watchful. One cannot be aware of one’s situation if one is lazy, sleepy, or undisciplined. Being vigilant will help one avoid the devil’s sneakiness. The powerful image of a hungry lion, prowling around for prey, gives urgency and emphasizes the need to be aware with our spiritual and physical senses on high alert.
When we walk with God in humility and obedience, our faith in God is strengthened. Being alert and clear-minded is not a matter of only human intellect or ability. The devil can trick intellectuals and people with high IQs. The type of mind we must have is the mind of Christ that is fully committed in love to God and love to others. If we become lazy in our thinking, we will be easily fooled by the world around us, which the devil will use to deceive us. Eve was deceived, and Adam was not thinking clearly because they took their eyes off God and began to look at the delicious fruit on the tree. The devil can deceive any person who is not alert. We become soft to temptation when we become preoccupied with the stuff and business of life.
Verse 9 gives the way to resist the devil. Faith is the powerful weapon against the schemes of the devil. Faith is a choice, but we do not believe in ourselves, but in God. God is the one who comes to the rescue when we face temptation and suffering. Faith is putting our lives into the safe hands of God’s care and direction.
Experiencing suffering exposes us to vulnerable situations and tests our priorities and perspectives. When facing potential or real suffering, we may be tempted to give in to the expected behaviors of an adverse culture or group, to compromise our holiness, to become discouraged, or to lose hope for a better future. The devil tries to pull us away from God and cause us to become discouraged. Doubt will lead to defeat. To stand strong against the many challenges of life that could discourage us, we must put our trust in God, even when we may not feel or sense God’s presence. We can be strengthened with the realization that we are not alone in our struggles. Other believers around the world also face challenges. We can pray for one another and be strengthened in fellowship, knowing that our Father in heaven cares for all his family.