1 Peter 5:5-10

Go Deep

(1 Peter 5:5-10)

Read 1 Peter 5:5-10.

Read verse 5. What does the phrase, “in the same way,” refer to?

This is the fourth time Christians of one group or another have been instructed to submit to someone else. What would submission in this context look like?

Would you know if someone was clothed in a designer gown? How? Would you know if someone was clothed in humility? If so, how?

Describe the prideful person mentioned in verse 5. What is he/she like?

What could it mean that God opposes (“stands against,” which is an antonym of submit – “stands under”) the proud? What form might God’s opposition take?

In verse 6, Peter writes, “humble yourselves…” How would you obey this instruction? What would you do?

Verses 6 and 7 form one sentence in Greek. If we leave out the prepositional phrase and the purpose clause, we have “Humble yourselves …casting all your anxiety on him…” What is the connection between humbling yourself and casting your anxiety on him? Can you cast your anxiety on him without humbling yourself?

How does one cast their anxiety on God? What actions are involved? What beliefs must be in place?

Why does verse 8 begin: “Be alert and of sober mind”?

How does the devil devour people? What would a devoured person look like?  What does the devil get out of devouring someone.

Peter says the devil walks around like a roaring lion – is threatening, in other words – but Paul says he appears as an angel of light – is deceptive. Which is true? Explain.

Create a step-by-step guide to resisting the devil. (See James 4:7-10 for more information.)