Incorruptible Day 9 Redeemed From Emptiness: Digging Deeper

1) Who is Peter writing to in these verses?
Peter addresses this letter to believers living in exile in 1:1, but in 1 Peter 5:1-4, he specifically writes to the elders and 1 Peter 5:5 addresses young men. However, the second half of 1 Peter 5:5 and following is written to both groups. Who were these elders and young men? Elder is not simply a term to describe age. The Greek word Peter uses, “presbyteros”, refers to those in a position over others or an overseer within the church. They would have been strong believers who had been walking in the faith. The younger men mentioned in verse 5 refer to those who sit under the elders. They would have been men in the church who were not elders and would have probably been less spiritually mature than the elders. After giving them each specific instruction, Peter then turns his attention on both groups. He continues with words of advice and warning intended for both groups of people, which is what we find in these verses.  

2) Who is the adversary Peter is writing about and how does he attack?
These verses are very clear there is an adversary in the devil. Peter specifically describes this adversary as a roaring lion. In order to understand our enemy, we must look to other parts of the Bible to learn who he truly is. Both Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 introduce the devil as a fallen angel cast from Heaven due to pride, thinking he could become god himself.  Job 1:7 informs us this adversary, Satan, roams the earth going to and fro. Another translation of the Hebrew, “accuser”, tells us he looks for those to accuse. This is precisely what he is doing in the book of Job, looking for one to accuse; this is still his aim! Peter paints a description of a lion ready to attack when he finds the weak, separated member of the pack. The devil will attack when he sees the greatest opening to do maximum damage. These attacks look different depending on each person, but John 8:44 reminds us our enemy is the father of lies. His attacks are not truth and should not be held as such.  

3) How do we resist our adversary?
After describing the adversary, Peter doesn’t leave his readers to wonder what to do. Instead, Peter gives them specific advice on how to deal with this adversary. These elders and young men are to resist him and stand firm. The beginning of verse 8 also reminds readers to be sober-minded and alert. Be on the lookout for the attack that is coming. It’s no secret the enemy is looking ready to attack at the opportune moment; believers must be ready. Peter also reminds them they are not alone in their suffering. Other believers are experiencing suffering alongside them. Matthew Henry writes, “It was the faith of these people that Satan aimed at; if he could overturn their faith, and draw them into apostasy, then he knew he should gain his point, and ruin their souls; therefore, to destroy their faith, he raises bitter persecutions, and sets the grand potentates of the world against them. This strong trial and temptation they must resist, by being well-grounded, resolute, and steadfast in the faith.” These believers must cling to the truth they know of the One True God who saved their souls. They must cling to their salvation in what Jesus has already done on their behalf and not give in to the lies their enemy is aiming at them. Lastly, they must never forget they are not alone. Believers throughout the world experience the similar attacks from their common enemy.