Introduction

We’re called to endure suffering these things and be faithful to the end. How?

1. We must bow down to God.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

HOW do we humble ourselves?
WHAT kind of “exalting” will be done?
WHEN is it going to happen?

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matt. 6:25,32

2. We must stand up to Satan

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Rev. 12:7-9

What is Satan doing?
• Prowling -
• Roaring -
• Devouring -

Some names and activities of Satan
• Accuser of the brethren – Rev. 12:10
• The Devil – Matt. 4:1; Gen. 3:2,4,5
• A liar and the father of lies – John 8:44
• The tempter – Matt. 4:3
• The god of this age – 2 Cor. 4:4
• The prince of the power of the air - Eph. 2:2
• The evil one - Matt 13:19

2.

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

How do we resist Satan? We bow our hearts and lives before God.
A. We do acknowledge Satan.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Eph. 6:10-13

B. We do not FEAR Satan.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:6,7,10

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13

3. We must depend on grace.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet. 1:3-5

Look at these strong words – they are all the OPPOSITE of the work of Satan!
• Restore
• Confirm
• Strengthen
• Establish

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

God has enough power and ability to help us endure whatever suffering He allows us to experience.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever encountered an animal in the wild that scared you? How did you respond?
• Discuss the challenges of being part of this world (job, school, neighborhood, media, even family) and at the same time being loyal to King Jesus.
• How does humbling myself before others (v.5) and humbling myself before God relate to each other? Which one do you find harder?
• Discuss the relationship between humility before God and anxiety. Read Psalm 55:22 and Matt. 6:25-32.
• Do you tend to under emphasize spiritual warfare or over emphasize it? How do you know which one you are doing? What are the dangers of each side?
• “Anxiety and fear are two of Satan’s most powerful weapons.” Do you agree? What impact do these emotions have on the spiritual life of a believer?
• Discuss the importance of grace in this discussion. Reread vs. 10 as well as James 4:6-10. Give examples of how grace has helped you with anxiety, fear, and spiritual warfare.