I Peter 5:8,9 – “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, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Okay, so there’s a devil out there and his goal is to devour people. He is looking for prey. His target is the weak and the vulnerable. This is why it is very important to build up ourselves spiritually through prayer and a steady intake of God’s word. We will become strong.
Peter gives us five things we can do to overcome the “devourer.” Let’s take a look…
1. Be Sober. The effects of drunkenness are too numerous to exhaust here. But we’re not talking about tipping one too many; we’re referring to a spiritual stupor. When we are intoxicated our judgment is impaired and our reflexes are slowed down. We cannot afford such a condition with a formidable adversary looking to take advantage of us.
2. Be Vigilant. Vigilant means simply to stay awake. Spiritual slumber is a recipe for a hungry lion’s meal. We must always be alert and sensitive to any encroachment by the adversary.
3. Resist him. When he does draw near don’t put out the welcome mat. Hang up a spiritual sign that says, “trespassers will be shot” and make sure he knows he is not welcome. The Greek word for resist is where we get our English word “antihistamine.” That’s what you use when you have an allergy. Let the devil know you’re allergic to him and you have a spiritual antihistamine called the Holy Spirit to deal with him.
4. Steadfast In The Faith. You need to remain strong and firm in your faith. Make sure it’s intact and focused on God and His word.
5. Stay Connected. There is a worldwide brotherhood that has the same enemy you do. This adversary would love to make you feel isolated and lonely. However, you are part of a vast family that covers the planet. There is a fiber of strength that runs through all of our lives and connects us to each other and with heaven. Draw hope and confidence when you’re being stalked. Your fellow lion-tamers are counting on you!