In this post we’ll finish our walk through the book of 1 Peter. In my last post he exhorted us to resist the devil.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:9 NIV
We saw that the enemy is out to directly attack your calling in Christ. Peter is probably thinking back to his days with the Lord. Jesus gave him a warning.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.”
Luke 22:31-32a NIV
Jesus knew that Satan desired to bring Peter (Simon) down. He wanted to put him in a position where his faith would fail. The enemy wanted an easy kill. In Peter’s case it was the accusation of a slave girl.
James tells us that if we resist the devil, he’ll flee (James 4:7). This should be our first response to the enemy.
According to Peter, it’s because we know something valuable. We know that our brothers and sisters in Christ are undergoing the same kinds of attacks.
That literally means that we know by seeing others going through the same stuff as us. Because of their examples of faith under pressure, we can follow in their footsteps. Along with that, we know where this road of faith is leading.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV
Praise the Lord, we serve the God of all grace! He has called us to eternal, unending glory. Yes, there may be a little suffering now. But soon we will be restored and strengthened. He will plant us firmly in our calling.
At one point in his ministry, the Apostle Paul pleaded this the Lord to remove the attacks of the enemy. He got this response from God.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
The God of all grace was working in and through him. Yes, we have an enemy, but we also have a mission to complete, examples to follow, and a great God at work with us. Don’t become a casualty. Be a mighty, victorious warrior in these last days.
Peter ends his letter with some final greetings.
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
1 Peter 5:12-14 NIV
Question: How have you experienced God’s grace in times of trouble?
© 2026 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 