Have you ever seen someone shadowbox - fighting with an imaginary opponent, practicing jabs, footwork, etc.? In shadow boxing, you can define your opponent - their moves, etc. It can lull you into a false sense of security because the real opponent can be tricky.
What does the Bible say about the devil? He is a real being. He led a rebellion against God because he wanted to be God. He is the leader of demons, the originator of sin, and his mission is to oppose and destroy every good work of God. He is the father of lies. He will do anything he can to turn people away from God and destroy them.
What do we do when our opponent is not an imaginary figure? What happens when our opponent wants to destroy us? The book of 1 Peter was written at a time when Christians were experiencing much persecution. It was written to encourage and strengthen Christians when it was very tough to be a Christian. It is also written to instruct them - “Resist the devil.” Why?
Sermon Outline
1. The Path of Resistance Vs.6–8
2. The Purpose of Resistance Vs.9
3. The Promise Vs.10-11
