January 5, 2003
There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in a Godless society. If all true Christians were to be removed from our world, there would be absolutely no influence for God. However, while we are still here we have the responsibility and privilege to live as God would have us live and be salt and light in a very dark world. In today’s passage we find at least four principles that help us to live the lives and be the witnesses that point a needy world to their Savior.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may
exalt you at the proper time. I Peter
5:6.
1. Renounce pride. The world of the unbeliever is a world of pride, love of self, trying to be #1. James tells us that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6. The corresponding result is divine exaltation.
Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you. v. 7
2. Rely completely on God to sustain you. Note the incentive to trust, “He cares for you!” Satan tries to convince believers that God does not care (cf II Kings 18:19-37.) The devil’s way to try to turn believers against God is to discourage them.
3. Restrain your human impulses to go with the flow. Note the rationale back of this exhortation, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” v. 8
4. Resist the devil. And how do we do that?
• The means – faith! “But resist him (the devil), firm in your faith” v. 10a Our faith is in the revealed truth found in God’s Word. Our Lord Himself is our example as seen in Mark 4 and Luke 4. He resisted the devil by confronting him with the Word of God.
• The mind set – knowing. “Knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” v. 9. Afflictions are the common lot among believers.
The promise comes in verse 10 – “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm strengthen, and establish you.”
Believers, what a glorious promise this is! Review this passage carefully then let’s go into 2003 with our heads held high – determined to live for God. Amen! God bless.
In His love,