Don’t Fear the Roar!
1 Peter 5:8-11
Many people do not realize that the moment you begin to live for God, you enter a battle. The battle is played out in the context of your mind. Every day, many thoughts pop into your mind – some of which are true, and some of which are lies. That mix of thoughts creates nonstop noise that can interfere with your ability to hear what God is calling you to become and who he has desired you to be. This week, we will compare the difference between the devil’s roar and God’s calling on your life.
Read 1 Peter 5:8-11. "(8) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (11) To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1. What does this passage say about the devil? What does it say our response should be?
2. Why do you think Peter didn’t tell us to run? Why do you think we are not told to fight?
3. What does it mean to “Be alert and of sober mind.”?
4. Why would the devil want to stop us from living in God’s calling for our life?
5. If you regularly make an effort to listen for God’s voice above all others, you can grow closer to God and fulfill your God-given calling in life. The key to overcoming the battle is learning to hear God’s voice above the roar of the enemy. How can regular quiet time help us hear God’s calling above the roar? What do you think would happen to the believer who does not have regular quiet time?
Pastor James went on to compare the difference between the devil’s roar and God’s calling:
The roar will accuse you, God’s call will restore you
6. What does the enemy’s accusations sound like? What does he intend to do with his accusations?
7. God’s correction is always motivated by love and aimed at restoration. Can you share a time when God corrected you?
The roar will discourage you, God’s call will empower you
8. How does the devil win if he can convince you that you can’t do what God has called you to do?
9. Why is it so important to remember that God's power is made perfect in our weakness? How have you seen this play out in your life?
The roar will rush you, God’s call will assure you
10. Consider the life of Jesus—He was never hurried. Even amidst pressing needs and urgent situations, Jesus moved with a purpose and firmness, always attuned to God’s timing. This stillness allowed Him to seize divine opportunities, often found in interruptions.
11. Can you share a time when you made a decision in haste and it did not turn out well?
12. What does it mean to wait on the Lord?
The roar will say, “What if?”, God’s call will say ‘I AM”
13. The devil’s roar worries you with everything that could go wrong. Why would the enemy want us to focus on all that could go wrong?
14. God’s call reminds us that although we are not in control, He is. How do we find comfort in the fact that God is in control of all things?