1 Peter 5:9
The sermon emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and remaining steadfast in faith amidst shared afflictions among believers.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of resisting Satan by standing firm in faith and not yielding to temptation or sin. He encourages believers to hold steadfastly to their faith, relying on God's promises and the power of Christ to shield them from the enemy's attacks. Gill reminds the congregation that they are not alone in their struggles, as fellow believers around the world face similar afflictions, and these trials are temporary. He reassures them that enduring these challenges is part of the Christian experience, and they will ultimately be completed in this life. The message is one of perseverance, faithfulness, and hope in the face of adversity.
Text
Ver. 9. Whom resist,.... By no means give way to him, by indulging any sin, or yielding to any temptation, but oppose him, and stand against his wiles, his cunning and his power:
steadfast in the faith; both in the doctrine of faith, which Satan endeavours to remove from, or cause to stagger in; and in the grace of faith, exercising it on the promises of God, and his perfections, particularly his power and faithfulness concerned in them, and in the blood, righteousness, sacrifice, and person of Christ, which faith is capable of making use of, as a shield, to good purpose, against all the fiery darts of Satan; as also in a profession of faith, which, as it should be held fast without wavering, and which the devil is very busy to keep persons from making, or to cause them to drop it when they have made it, by violent suggestions, strong temptations, and a flood of reproaches and persecutions; all which should be disregarded:
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world; and therefore should not be surprised and staggered by them, nor think them strange, but endure them without murmuring, and with patience and cheerfulness; since they are the "same afflictions" and trials which others have been exercised with in all ages: the same which the fraternity, or "brotherhood", as the word signifies, see 1Pe 2:17 who stand in the same relation to God and Christ as they do, endure; yea, the same which Christ himself, who stands in this relation to them, has endured: and which must be expected while they are "in the world"; but this is the great mercy, that they are only endured in this world; there will be none in the world to come; they will be "accomplished" and finished here; and every believer has his measure, which must be filled up; and so has the whole of Christ, his church, and when they are fulfil they will be no more.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the nature of spiritual resistance
- The importance of steadfastness in faith
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II
- Recognizing the wiles of Satan
- The role of faith as a shield
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III
- The shared experience of afflictions among believers
- Enduring trials with patience and cheerfulness
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IV
- The temporary nature of worldly afflictions
- The promise of relief in the world to come
Key Quotes
“By no means give way to him, by indulging any sin, or yielding to any temptation, but oppose him, and stand against his wiles.” — John Gill
“Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” — John Gill
“They will be 'accomplished' and finished here; and every believer has his measure, which must be filled up.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Practice resisting temptations by grounding yourself in Scripture and prayer.
- Remember that you are not alone in your struggles; fellow believers share similar experiences.
- Maintain a perspective of hope, knowing that earthly afflictions are temporary and will be resolved in eternity.