1 Peter 5:9: Resist Him, Firm In Your Faith, Knowing That The Same Kinds Of Suffering Are Being Experienced By Your Brotherhood Throughout The World.

1 Peter 5:9
[9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (ESV)
 

Sometimes people say things like, "The devil made me do it." This kind of an attitude assumes that it is acceptable to give in to temptations, placing the blame on the strength of the enemy. The Apostle Peter is giving us very different instruction. He does not say, "Oh well, if you blow it, no big deal. Satan is too difficult to stand against." Rather, he admonishes us all to resist the devil, firm in your faith.

We are not left powerless. Consider what we have been given. God has given us his very Spirit to dwell within us and empower us to stand against the enemy (Romans 8). We have also been given the assurance that God will never let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). The reality is, victory is possible for the believer in Jesus Christ.

How we resist him is by staying close to our Lord and Savior. We find strength by spending time in his holy Word, by praying to him in our time of need, and by the fellowship of other believers. If we remove ourselves from any of these things we are leaving ourselves vulnerable to the enemy who is prowling around, like a lion, just looking for a weak person to attack.

Peter closes this verse with an important reminder for us. When you suffer through various trials and temptations, you are not alone. One of the enemy's lies is that you are the only one struggling with temptation and trial. If he can convince you of that he can keep you from finding the great strength that is found in the body of Christ. 

Satan is going to come your way. He can be kept away as you find your strength in the word of God, the spirit of God, and the people of God. Remember, if you are being attacked you are not alone. Take advantage of the strength found in the body of Christ.