Willie Tebo | October 12, 2016
1st Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
It is good from time to time to be reminded of who our enemy is. Christians often are reminded of love, patience, longsuffering, helping and encouraging others and so forth. There is nothing at all wrong or incorrect about living a life that is focussed on those things. In fact, it is to be expected of all Christians to live a lifestyle that includes daily, the things listed above.
Preaching and teaching of Christ Jesus is to be our focus; and His service at the forefront of our thoughts. Heaven should be regularly on the minds of Christians. Joy in Christ should be ever present in our lives. However, we must remind ourselves (with a fair degree of regularity and seriousness) that just as we have a risen, living Saviour; we also have a very real, living adversary.
The devil is NOT the “embodiment” of evil. He is not the “idea” of evil, etc. He is a real, single being (though he has many fallen angels -called devils in the Bible, we often call them “demons”- who serve him in every corner of the earth). He is alive and active on this earth! (The words “walketh about” mean to “tread all around”. See Job 1:7)
Satan is our enemy. He is seeking to damage and destroy the lives and testimonies of Christians. Satan cannot damage our salvation, but he can damage our testimonies. He can tempt us to damage ourselves! The devil has a desire to destroy lives, both spiritually and physically. But primarily, he desires to spiritually erode Christians testimonies to make them appear incredible.
The devil hates Christians and wants us destroyed. The name “Devil” means “slanderer” (“[false] accuser”); “Satan” means “adversary”. Therefore: Our adversary, the slanderous false accuser, seeks to devour and destroy us. We must be sober! (Keep watch to know when he is attacking.) And we MUST be vigilant (alert).
Prepare to Resist!
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
When the devil comes to attack and damage you or your testimony; get close to the Lord in the name of Christ. Submit yourself unto God and resist the devil.
