Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him steadfast in the faith… 1 Peter 5:8-9
Shortly after arriving at one of the lodges in Kruger National Park, South Africa, we were told to not walk anywhere without one of their armed rangers by our side. They wanted to protect our lives from the surrounding wildlife, which could easily attack and kill. Our safari jeep driver emphasized this point by telling us how our tracker’s nephew was recently ate by a lion, as he walked back from the lodge to his cabin one night alone and unarmed.
This unfortunate story painted a graphic picture of God’s warning to us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” And, before we left on one of our safaris, we saw firsthand how a lion, similar to our adversary the devil, can suddenly and quite unexpectedly cause entire groups of animals to flee at his presence, leaving behind the stragglers – the young and the feeble – for him to devour.
If you don’t want the enemy to devour your life – your health, your finances, your relationships, your future, or anything else, follow God’s instructions to be a sober-minded vigilant Christian.
Be sober. Don’t get drunk on satan’s fear-provoking lies. Counter his lies with God’s Truth.
“Be sober.” Don’t get drunk on satan’s fear-provoking lies. Counter his lies with God’s Truth, saying, “It is written,” just as Jesus did when He was tempted by our adversary, the devil. (see Matt. 4)
“Be vigilant.” Develop such a close abiding relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ by meditating on His Word and praying, that you can easily recognize the imposter, the devil, who “walks about like a roaring lion,” trying to deceive you into thinking he has the upper hand in your life and in this world. Remember, there is only one true lion king and that is Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of kings. (Rev. 5:5)
“Resist him steadfast in the faith.” One of the keys to resisting satan appears in the preceding verse “casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) In the midst of real danger and attacks from the enemy, place yourself along with all the oppressive thoughts, fears, concerns, worries, and circumstances into God’s strong loving hands, receiving His loving care – His mercy and compassion that fails not.
Finally, remember that as you journey through life, you are not alone or unarmed! The One Who lives within you is greater than your adversary, the devil. (1 Jn. 4:4) He has covered you with His precious blood, clothed you with His full armor – His Son Jesus Christ, and has given you His Word and His name to protect you and to defeat your adversary, the devil. (Rev. 7:14, Eph. 6:10-18; Jeremiah 15:16) Trust and confidently rely on Him!