Dear Redeeming Grace,

In his message on building opposition awareness, Jason reminded us of the sobering reality that Satan is at work all around us to deceive us. Lies are his nature. In 1 Peter 5:8-11, Peter calls him our adversary and likens him to a lion. Blood-thirsty and on the prowl. Ready to devour.

But notice what Peter's instruction to us is because of that fact: "Be sober-minded; be watchful." (1 Pet. 5:8). Clear thinking and open eyes. This is the posture from which we are told next to "resist him".

One thing that strikes me in this passage is how we resist; with faith. We resist our adversary "firm in our faith." No wonder that Paul uses the metaphor of a shield when he speaks about faith in Ephesians 6. How do we refute lies except with faith in the truth? How can we discern error except to know and believe what God has revealed to us?

We oppose our enemy with faith AND by strengthening one another's faith. We learn what's true and we remind one another. We preach the gospel to ourselves and each other. We fight this battle with arms linked. And when we grow weary in the fight, let's remember God's promise in v10:

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Redeeming Grace, take heart, knowing the God of all grace is on our side as we stand firm, resisting our enemy.