Lesson 77

Study of First Peter Chapter 5

 

5:8  Call to Spiritual Alertness,  so that we won't be distracted by the anxieties of the day!

 

First a command to Be of sober (spirit) 

- word means to be sober, self-controlled, well balanced

This is an important concept here so what does it mean to be sober? What's the emphsis?

1.  To be sober as used by Peter is to be free of every form of mental and spiritual drunkenness, that is to be clear in our thinking as we evaluate the circumstances of life we might be facing. 

 

2.  For this to be a reality, the clear thinking, we must not be ruled by the sin nature therefore all sin whether MAS, sin of the tongue, or overt sin must be dealt with.

 

3.  If we are to be clear thinking we must be free from the intoxication of false doctrine, the philosophical fads of the day.

 

4.  If we are sober, having clear thinking we will have the doctrinal frame of reference, that is the DOA's to deal with what ever comes our way and we will be the beneficiary of divine guidance as we utilize the divine viewpoint.

 

5.  Some other passages where sober/clear thinking is emphasized.

a.  1 Pet 1:13

b.  1 Pet 4:7

c.  1 Ths 5:6

d.  1 Ths 5:8

e.  2 Tim 4:5

 

 6. An observation:  5 of the 6 uses are in passages where the idea is to have clear thinking, orientation to  the time in which you live, in other words ensure that your evaluating history as it unfolds in the light of the Word of God.

 

Secondly we have a command to alertness:  be on the alert

 

By keeping one's eyes open and alert that is having a frame of reference of the Word will give you spiritual wisdom and discernment therefore you will be aware of reality.

The uses of grhgore,w  are interesting and illuminating:

1.  Matt 26:38-41  here we have exhortation to Peter James and John

 

- they were exhorted to prayer and faith-rest which would stabilize them in the crisis they were about to face

 

2.  In Matt 24:42-44 and 25:13 and Rev 16:15 it is used of the Tribulational saints who must be alert during that time but especially for the return of Christ.

 

3.  It is used in Acts 20:28-31 of the P/T in his responsibility to guard the flock from the savage wolves of the day, the false teachers and false doctrine that will increase as we closer to the end of the age.

 

4.  In 1 Ths 5:6-8 we have exhortations to both sobriety and alertness and they are used in a context where the emphasis is being sober and alert related to the things to come, that is to be historically oriented.

 

5:8b The Purpose for being Clear thinking and alert!

Peter gives us a vivid picture of our enemy

Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

 

Peter reminds us of 2 of Satan's characteristics that describe his function.

 

like a roaring lion comparative (w`j) setting up an analogy to portray his characteristics;  he is powerful, cunning and majestic looking

 

 

5:8 Be sober! Be Alert! Your adversary the devil prowls around seeking someone to devour.

 

Observations:

1.  We must remember that Satan is not omnipotent although very powerful and that he commands a vast army of fallen angels.

 

2.  These fallen angels or demons operate within a highly organized system with Satan as the ultimate authority.

- Eph 2:26b he is referred to as the prince of the power of the air

- Eph 6:12 we have the categories or ranks laid out

- In 2 Cor 4:4

 

 

3.  Satan and his operatives, these fallen angels, are constantly working to neutralize DVPT in the world of which he is the ruler.  John 14:30

Rem: his focus is on the mind, the thinking.

 

4.  Satan also actively seeks to counter the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit in the thinking of unbelievers by blinding them to the importance of the Gospel.

2 Cor 4:3-4; Matt 13:19 illustrates

 

5.  Satan is a deceiver and a master of the big lie. John 8:44-45

- In Rev 12:9 after detailing his names to define his objectives John summarizes with his objective "who deceives the whole world"  this really describes his purpose of operation; plana,w (pres act ptc) to lead astray or to deceive; to wander away from a straight path, the truth.

 

6.  Negative volition, that is rejection of the Word of truth sets the believer up for delusion and accepting false standards. 2 Tim 4:3-4

 

7.  Satan has counterfeit doctrines which Paul refers to as the doctrine of demons designed to spread confusion and evil.  1 Tim 4:1

 

8.  Satan also has counterfeit clergy, false teachers who are cleverly disguised.  2 Cor 11:3, 13-15

 

9.  Satan and his operatives often operate behind a mask of altruism, do goodism and philanthropy and human rights.

 

10.  Satan is behind and sponsors all forms of internationalism that is one worldism, whether religious, political or financial.