5:8-11 How are we to understand what Peter says here?
5:8-11 How are we to understand what Peter says here?
We saw in our study on 1Pe 4:17 that these believers were undergoing severe trials of their faith.
God does not send these trials but He permits them for the ultimate good of believers (cp Mal 3:1-4; Jn 15:2; Ro 8:18; 1 Pe 4:12-19; 1:6-9; 2:11-12, 19-20; 3:14-17; Jas 1:1-4).
Now, in 1 Pe 5:8-11 Peter warns believers against succumbing to the devil in the midst of their trials and giving up on God. He encourages believers to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith, because believers suffering trials and tribulations do not stand alone.
Everywhere in the world there are believers suffering for their faith. In V 10 Peter explains that any suffering seems as though it will never end but when contrasted with eternal life with Christ, it is only temporary. The goal God has for everyone of His children is to share in His eternal glory in Christ (cp Mt 5:10-12; Lk 6:22-23; Ro 8:16-18; 2Cor 4:17; Php 1:27-30; 1Pe 4:13).
It is to this end that God will equip, establish, strengthen and set believers in firm foundations who do not succumb to the devil.
(See also comments on Ro 5:3-5, Jas 1:2-4, 1Pe 4:17).
These Studies by Br Val Boyle may be downloaded and freely distributed but not sold for profit.