Victory In Jesus

Victory in Jesus

1 Peter 5: 6-11

We have considered much in our time moving through Peter’s first epistle. Being aware of their struggles, Peter addressed their need while challenging them to remain steadfast in spite of the opposition they faced. He knew the world was watching their lives, desiring to see how they responded to adversity. Regardless of the situation, they were expected to live in a way that revealed the transformation they had received through Christ.

We are much removed from those to whom Peter wrote, and yet many similarities remain. We too face challenges and struggles in life. Like the saints of old, we are expected to remain steadfast in trials, portraying a positive witness for the Lord. So, all of this begs the question – how does one overcome adversity and remain influential in a culture that is opposed to everything we hold dear? There is only one way, and that is through the guidance and provision of Christ. Apart from Him, we will suffer defeat and discouragement.

As we wrap up our time in First Peter, I want to discuss the final admonitions he shared, as we consider: Victory in Jesus. In order to overcome, we must abide by these admonitions.

I. Our Submission to God (6) – Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. In reality, this admonition is a continuation of the previous verse. Believers must be willing to humble themselves before the Lord, submitting fully to His will in order to overcome and enjoy victorious Christian life. We must realize our dependence upon the Lord – He is God, and we are not. He is omniscient and omnipotent, seeing and knowing all, while possessing the unrestrained power to move in our midst and secure victory in our lives.

Through being willing to humble ourselves before the Lord, we are promised that in His time, and according to His divine will, He will exalt us. Peter did not mention such provision to foster pride or arrogance, but to provide assurance. Many in his day suffered greatly for their faith, being marginalized and suppressed in society. The world had little, if any use for believers. However, their hope and provision were not tied to this world, nor was it dependent on the world’s provision. God has a plan for every believer, and in His time, His plans will be fulfilled. Granted, some would not experience much improvement in their lifetime, but God had not forsaken nor abandoned them. As they entered His eternal presence, these would enjoy the gracious, unending provision of God throughout eternity. (1 Peter 1:3-9)

II. Our Affirmation in God (7) – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter shared one of the greatest promises for the believer in all of Scripture. We are encouraged to cast all of our care upon the Lord. This speaks of our worries and our anxieties, those issues and burdens that trouble our spirit and hinder our joy. Those insecurities that keep us up at night, the cares of life whatever they may be! We are encouraged to bring those unto the Lord and cast them upon Him. We are to lay them at His feet and leave them there. He invites us to bring our burdens unto Him so He can take our heavy load and bear it for us. Matt.11:28-30 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Peter revealed the confidence we have in such a precious promise – the Lord cares for us! This reveals that our Lord is genuinely interested in our lives; He is concerned for us; He cares about the burdens we carry, and wants to lighten our load. We are assured that even if no one else is aware of concerned with our need, we have a Savior who is always aware and interested in providing all we need to be victorious in Him.

III. Our Opposition from Satan (8-9) – Here Peter addressed the source of every believer’s conflict. We all must deal with an adversary who seeks to defeat and discourage those who desire to serve the Lord. In order to deal with our adversary, we must know how he operates. Notice:

A. The Aggression (8) – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Peter described the devil in language that is familiar to most Bible students – he is like a roaring lion, walking around in search of those he can devour. We have all heard the lion described as the king of the jungle, the dominant animal within his realm. It is no wonder Peter described the devil in similar terms. The early believers were familiar with the ferocity and deadly nature of lions, having seen or heard of Christians being forced to face them in the Coliseums for sport and ghastly entertainment of the Romans. The enemy is not a cartoon character to be dismissed. He is real and actively works against those who seek to serve the Lord.