Resisting The Roaring Lion Series

Resisting the Roaring Lion

1 Peter 5:1-9 NIV

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

This is not a toothless lion. This lion described by Peter can devour us.

The good news is that we do not have to wrestle or fight this lion, just resist it!

Be shepherds of God’s flock (v.2)

Lions feast on the unprotected.

Matthew 26:31 NIV

Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility (v.5)

Lions feast on the proud.

Matthew 26:33-34 NIV

“Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 34 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

John 13 – Peter – “You will never wash my feet!”

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert (v.7-8)

The lion feasts on the good things we neglect.

Neglect our marriage and the lion will feast on it.

Neglect our children and the lion will feast on them.

Neglect our finances and the lion will feast on it.

Neglect our health and the lion will feast on you.

Staying alert is most of the battle. Being aware of what is happening in our marriage, our children, our bodies, our finances, and our city is what is most needed.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith (v.9)

Tell someone.

Pray together.

Check on each other.

1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”