Asbury Bible Commentary – 3. In resisting evil (5:8-11)
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3. In resisting evil (5:8-11)

3. In resisting evil (5:8-11)

Peter ends his exhortations by placing his readers' situation in a broader, cosmic perspective. Christians must understand who the real enemy is: the Devil who assaults God indirectly by assaulting his people wherever they are found in the world. Further, they must understand that God has already won the battle in Christ. He is the God of all grace who calls them to a life of temporary suffering but whose grace is sufficient to bring them to glory (5:10).

That God has already won the victory must not, however, obscure the important role Christians play in the victory. Having recognized the true enemy, they must alertly, steadfastly, and unitedly resist that enemy by their faith. As they resist, they will depend on the call of their gracious God who in Christ will restore, strengthen, and establish them (5:10).