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Stand Alone Messages

Resisting the Devil | 1 Peter 5:1-11

July 5, 2026Pastor Chris May

1 Peter 5:1-11

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 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. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Discussion Guide

Summary

The devil is a real enemy, but believers do not need to fear him because Jesus has already defeated him. Peter calls Christians to resist the devil by remaining humble before God and one another, staying watchful against his tactics of deception, temptation, and resentment, and standing firm in faith during suffering. We must take spiritual warfare seriously without becoming obsessed with it, trusting that God gives us the strength and truth we need to stand.

Small Group Discussion Questions

  1. Peter describes the devil as a “roaring lion” looking for someone to devour. What does this image teach us about the seriousness of spiritual warfare, and how can we take the devil seriously without becoming preoccupied with him?

  2. How does pride make us more vulnerable to the enemy? In what areas of your life are you most tempted to become independent, unteachable, or isolated from other believers?

  3. The sermon identified deception, temptation, and resentment as some of the devil’s tactics. Which of these do you believe is the greatest danger in your life right now, and what does resisting it practically look like?

  4. Think about the statement, “The devil rarely begins by showing us the ashes; he begins with a spark (source unknown).” What small compromise, unhealthy desire, unresolved hurt, or false belief could become spiritually destructive if it is not addressed?

  5. First Peter 5:9 tells us to resist the devil by standing firm in our faith. When suffering or disappointment causes you to question God’s goodness, what truths, practices, or relationships help you continue trusting Him?

Closing Application

What is one specific step you need to take this week to resist the devil—humbling yourself, asking for accountability, fleeing temptation, forgiving someone, spending more time in Scripture, or trusting God through suffering?

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