Peter: The Disciple part 7e

The Lion Who Roars

I Peter 5:8-10

During the time of the Roman empire lions were frequently portrayed n aggressive poses in statues and in mosaics on buildings and in public squares. Peter comes along and suddenly paints a word picture describing the devil as roaring lion. In fact Peter uses words and “Be sober, be vigilant” when describing the attitude to Christian and especially the Christian leader should have in regards to the devil.

Why this emphases on sobriety and vigilance? Because, Peter makes it clear that “the Devil walks around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” Peter further emphasizes this point by bluntly stating that the same afflictions that are seen in the world, the same temptations that cause the Gentiles or pagans to fall are also “Accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

Peter is making sure we understand that Christians and even Christian leaders are sometimes living in this world. As it were serving to masters. On the surface the Christian or leader of the church is saying and doing all the right things, but when alone, or away from those that know him, they do as the heathen do. The devil is walking around as a roaring line, seeking to devour all those that are not firmly grounded in God’s word and reflect God character at all times, not just in the presence of members or those that know them.

Verse 10: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect, stablish strengthen and settle you.”

Peter is reminding us that we all suffer trials and temptation and it is through these that we become more Christ like. Our character is perfected and we are fitted for heaven and life eternal with our creator.

Peter closes his first letter by saying, “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, salute you.” Peter did not say the church was Babylon but was at Babylon. Because the church of Christ at this time is centered upon this world, and Babylon stands for all the false teachings and doctrines that stand at the heart of the rebellion started so long ago in heaven by Satan and his evil host. They would want nothing better than see lives ruined becoming subject to the pleasures of sin, at the loss of eternal life, Peter exhorts us to remain strong and testify of the true grace of God where in you and I and all of God’s faithful followers stand, waiting Christ’s triumphant return.

Amen.