1 Peter 5:8-9: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.

I want you to reflect on this passage with me for a few days. I’m going to share some reflections on these words in three parts, using the words of of text itself as the headings. We being today with “Self-Controlled and Alert.”

Peter is writing to abused and threatened Christians, and he encourages them to be self-controlled and alert. The word translated “self-controlled” in the NIV is a word that means, “don’t be drunk” or “be sober.” The ESV translates this as “be sober-minded.” It has to do with not letting yourself be out of control but rather controlled by the Spirit of God. It does not really mean self-control as much as God-controlled. That’s a good way to live with any trials that come your way: Let God be in control! That is good advice for every day, but especially when things seem to be running wild. Jesus take the wheel!

You also have to be alert, because attacks from Satan are all around and frequent. You always have to be ready. Satan is always attempting to tear down the fellowship and unity we have in Christ Jesus. He never lets up. He will use every opportunity that presents itself to get Christians to fight amongst themselves. Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Sometimes the attacks are fierce and obvious. Other times they are more subtle, calling for you only to “bend” the commandments and not actually break them.

  • What’s the harm in telling a little white lie?
  • Is it wrong to help yourself to some office supplies from work? “The company can afford it!”
  • You tell yourself “It’s not really gossip. We’re just sharing information.”
  • I know I’m right, so it is okay for me to complain!

Surely there is no harm in those things, is there? Who do you think is making those suggestions? Another reminder to make sure you have God in control of your actions and not the Devil.

We do this knowing that Jesus is very much alive. We are still in the season celebration His resurrection. Because He lives, we live also.