Thinking God’s Way, Lesson 13

Thinking God’s Way is a series of Bible studies that help believers meditate on theWord of God for the purpose of Christian growth. Each lesson features a verseof Scripture in English and the original language (whether Hebrew or Greek). Italso provides basic background information, followed by basic word definitionsand other key insights. Each lesson concludes with some questions formeditation and for applying the truth to life.

Initial Thoughts

Life is more like hiking through the African savanna than strollingthrough a zoo. At the zoo, lions live in the confines of their designatedspaces, separated by walls, windows, trenches, and fences. But on the savanna, theyroam free. This verse of Scripture recognizes another danger, the prowlingthreat of Satan himself, and teaches us how to respond when he threatens toweaken our faith in God.

Key Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-9

In English (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks aboutlike a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in thefaith...

In Greek

νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμωνδιαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη, ω αντιστητε στερεοι τη πιστει

English and Greek Together

Be sober (νηψατε), be vigilant (γρηγορησατε); because your adversary the devil(οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος) walks about (περιπατει) like a roaring lion (ως λεωνωρυομενος), seeking whom he may devour (ζητων τινα καταπιη). Resist him (ω αντιστητε), steadfast in the faith (στερεοι τη πιστει)...

Background Information

This statement appears in the New Testament (NT) book of 1 Peter,which is a letter Peter wrote to believers in the first century who were facingintense persecution and pressure from the outside, unbelieving world.

This verse reminds us of an experience that Peter himself had facedin his own personal experience. During this experience, he failed to stand upto Satan’s pressure and denied his relationship with the Lord three times (Luke22:31-34, 54-62).

Keywords and their Meanings

Mounce’sComplete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006)together with an interlinear Bible, like The NKJV Greek English InterlinearNew Testament (Thomas Nelson, 1994) is an excellent way to get accuratedefinitions for your Bible study based upon Greek and Hebrew meanings.

• (νήφω): “to be sober, not intoxicated.” The word implies that youare alert – that you have a clear mind and are in full control of your thinkingand decision-making abilities.

• (γρηγορέω): “to be awake, to watch.” The word implies that you arebehaving like an alert guard who does not fall asleep when you’re on watch duty,even if it’s the late-night shift.

• (ἀντίδικος): “an opponent in a lawsuit.”

• (διάβολος): “a slanderer; a treacherous informer, traitor; thedevil.” It describes someone who hates and opposes you, and who manifests thishatred accusing you falsely and spreading false information about you.

• (ὠρύομαι): “to howl, to roar.”

• (λέων): “a lion, a crueladversary,” who is ferocious and powerful.

• (ζητέω): “to seek, look for, searchafter, watch for, pursue, strive for, seek the life of, seek to kill.” Thisword emphasizes deliberate, serious effort.

• (καταπίνω): “to drink, swallow, gulp down, overwhelm, destroy.”

• (ἀνθίστημι): “to oppose, resist,stand out against.” It means to stand in your place and push back strongly.

• (στερεός): “stiff, hard, firm,steadfast.”

• (πίστις): “faith, belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firmconviction, the ground of conviction.”

Questions for Meditation and Reflection

Why does Peter need to remind us to be “sober” and “awake?”

Because we easily fail to think clearly, intelligently, and responsiblyand we easily become “sleepy” spiritually, not paying attention to what’sreally going on in our lives. As illustrations, think about the kind of “sobriety”and focus that’s required for driving a car in rush-hour traffic, or the kindof “alertness” that’s required for a third-shift security guard or night-shift nurse.

In what ways do we fail to have this kind of mindset?

When we place our minds under the control of other substances, likealcohol and drugs. When we get distracted by the cares and busyness of everydaylife. When we allow our feelings (like self-pity, fear, sorrow, anger,bitterness, frustration, loneliness) and our circumstances (like pain, stress,overload, financial struggles, relationship struggles, the weather, busyness, etc.)

Who takes advantage when we fail to have this kind of mindset?

Satan takes advantage when we lose our spiritual and mental focus.He is prowling, on the loose, and walking around looking for an opportunity tocatch you off guard. He doesn’t always involve himself directly, though. Heoften involves his spiritual cohorts (other demons), or he may also workthrough other people in our lives.

How does he attempt to take advantage of you?

He hopes to dig up dirt on you so he can accuse you of wrongdoingbefore God and damage your testimony for God before other people. He wants tobring a compelling case against you like a prosecuting attorney and slander youor bring down your reputation (and God’s) with accusations, whether true orfalse. (Consider Job 1-2.)

What does “roaring like a lion” teach us about his strategy?

He hopes to scare you and make you afraid. He wants to shock you,stun you, and freeze you in your steps to handicap you from accomplish yourpurpose for God.

What does “devouring” teach us about his ultimate goal?

If possible, he hopes to destroy you. Since he cannot destroy yourrelationship with God if you are genuine child of God, he may at least hope toend your earthly life and service to God. Consider the many believers who havebeen martyred for their faith and are being martyred even today.

To what does “the faith” refer in this verse?

This doesn’t necessarily refer to “having faith” or the “act offaith.” Instead, it more likely refers to the “body of Christian doctrine” orthe revelation that’s been given about God which we believe. In other words, justas you believed on the truth about God through Christ when you believed on thegospel for salvation, so you must continue to live according to that truth.

A Personal Translation

Before you consider how to apply this truth to your life byallowing it to change your mindset and approach to life, write out a personaltranslation. Use what you have learned to write this verse in your own words.

Questions for Personal Application

1. Do you ever catch yourself in an unfocused, sleepy mental and spiritual state? Why?
2. How does Satan take advantage of you in those times?
3. What are some ways that you can stand firm and push back?