“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter. 5:8-9.
There are serious warnings in the Bible about Satan’s evil intentions and operations. His many subtle devices employed to lead people astray are not hidden from the believer. One of such warning is found in our text scripture. Notice the meanings of the following words: “Sober” implies mentally alert and self-controlled not under any undue external influence. “Vigilant” means watchfulness, being awake and alert. Even though we understand that God is all-powerful and cares for His children, we cannot afford to relax our guard spiritually. We are encouraged to be watchful and alive to our responsibility.
It is vital that we recognize that Satan is relentless and wants to destroy us. We have to be faithful in doing our part. He is called the “Devil” it means a false accuser, slanderer. The one who defame. It was used not only of those who bring a false charge against one, but also of those who twist the truth concerning a man and do so maliciously, insidiously, with hostility. The next word is “Walks about” it conveys the idea of Satan’s constant state of activity. He goes about pretending to be a roaring Lion. We are told how to deal with him strategically.
Pay attention to verse 9: “Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” “Steadfast.” This is translated from a Greek military term signifying standing firm without moving even under an attack from the enemy. For true Christians, we stand fast “in the faith,” because we have faith and confidence in the One who is greater than he who is in the world. God is vastly more powerful than anything He created, including the devil. We must continually stand tall in the faith irrespective of what comes our way. We are not by any means under threat when we operate with supernatural understanding as indicated in our text scripture.
FURTHER READING:
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter. 1:13.
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter. 1:7.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for timely strategic truth. Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, cause me to know the way in which I should walk. Teach me to do Your will. Lead me in the place of uprightness. Sustain me by Your Spirit, keep me away from the schemes of the devil, enable me to walk in the truth. I prevail over the devil physically, mentally and spiritually in the name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Eccles. 1:1-18.
Eccles. 2:1-26.
Eccles. 3:1-22.
Eccles. 4:1-16.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“When You Give The Devil A Foothold, He Turns It To A Stronghold.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.
http://www.thefortresschurch.com.
email: info@thefortresschurch.com.
