1st Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1st Peter 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Peter moves from the call to humility and the reception of grace from God, to how we posture our lives in light of the devil who is seeking whom he may devour.
First of all, he says to be sober, be vigilant. Or be self controlled and alert. When we are out of control, it's easy to get tripped up, and do things that one later regrets, and or at the same time becomes less strong against spiritual darkness, and is an easy target for the devil's attacks and temptations. Being alert is a companion strength to self control. Paying attention is needful. Both of these are the basis of how we are to deal with the devil.
Peter then explains that we have an adversary, the devil, who is our enemy, also called the slanderer, is always actively seeking an opportunity for a vicious attack against us. And, this is why we need to be sober and alert. In other words we need to be on our guard as it were.
What satan wants to do is to devour the Christian, that is to destroy the work of God in his or her life. He wants to stop any progress towards spiritual growth and maturity. He is a fruit devourer.
Here's what else to do....it's a short sentence concept and action to take. "Resist him, steadfast in the faith"
We are to stand immovable against him, by being rock solid in our faith. In other words the best defense against satan, is a consistent walk with the Lord. Be steadfast in the faith, in your faith. Be firm, solid, hard, rigid. Walk with the Lord, that's how you stand against the enemy.
Finally, Peter brings in what his readers knew, or were coming to know, and that is, the same kinds of sufferings were going on in the lives of other christians in other parts of the world.
In life, it often helps to know that other people go through the same things. And, so often when we are suffering, we forget that others are also. We tend to think that no one knows the kind of trouble I'm going through. But, when you do meet someone who has a similar trial and challenge, or is also suffering in some painful way much as you are, there is a comfort and encouragement found there. Thus, Peter says, "your not the only one" etc.
So, while it's true the devil and his angels are tricky and deceitful, it's no secret as to how we are to deal with him. To sum it up then........
1. Be sober, or self controlled.
2. Be alert, and aware.
3. Resist the devil by being stedfast in your faith.
4. Remember, other christians are also going through it.
Well Lord, once again, Your Word is so simple and yet true. Thank You for it. In Jesus name Amen...
