ByAmongst the many enemies believers have, the chief is the devil. He has no love, pity or sense of humour. Even in John 10:10, Jesus said clearly that this devil exists just to steal, kill and destroy. Imagine that! A creature who has three filthy missions to accomplish and has been doing it for centuries. Sometimes, I pity those who claim to serve the devil and trade their soul for money, fame and otherworldly fantasies. Such people are always deceived into thinking this devil has something good for them. But scripture is clear – he is a thief, murderer and destroyer. So, there is nothing he will give you without taking it back and destroying your life with it at the same time. In today’s scripture, we will delve deeper into what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning this devil. After reading this article, I pray that you will know how to give no chance to the devil in your faith journey.
Verse 8
[8] “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
Can you read this scripture more carefully? Peter is admonishing us first to be sober and secondly, vigilant. But why? Because our adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I want you to take note of a few words in this scripture: “like” and “devour.”
The scripture doesn’t say the devil is a lion. No! Indeed, Jesus is the only lion – of Judah (see Revelation 5:5). But since the devil is cunning and deceptive, 1 Peter 5:8 clearly tells us that he can take on a fake character of a lion to devour people. “Devour” means to drink down or swallow down. So, the devil is on a mission to cause havoc even in believers’ lives. That is why you must be sober and vigilant not to give him any chance. How then, do you resist the devil? That is what the apostle explains in verse 9. Let’s look at it.
Verse 9
[9] “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
1 Peter 5:9 NKJV
So, in this verse, the primary tool to use to resist the devil is faith. You must be steadfast (strong, immovable or solid) in faith to keep resisting him. But why? Because this devil is cunning. He can suggest deceptive reasons to give in to sin while hiding its consequences from you. Let me give you an example.
The Christians who watch obscene movies mostly end up in shame. Probably before watching such a movie, the Holy Spirit may have prompted them not to watch it. But several believers ignore God’s instructions, follow their own ways and the devil’s cunning ways, and later come back in repentance, just like what the prodigal son did in the parable Jesus spoke(see Luke 15:11-32). A wise preacher once said, “You will never find in sin what you got into sin to find.” The devil can paint sin to you nicely in your mind. But it is a bait. Never give in, and you must be strong (fully persuaded about Christ) in your mind to keep resisting this enemy because he will always try to find an opportune time to tempt you (see Matthew 4:13).
Many believers face the thing I’m saying right now. So, if you’re in a season where the devil is bombarding your mind with sinful thoughts, know that there is hope in Christ. Anchor your faith in God, and never stop praying. God will help you through.
You will never find in sin what you got into sin to find.
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Verse 10
[10] “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
1 Peter 5:10 NKJV
Verse 10 is a build-up of what the Apostle Peter started saying from verses 8 through 9. Resisting the devil steadfastly, although it’s something happening, can also be ascribed to suffering. It’s not easy to live a godly life in a world full of evil. But in the midst of that, we have a sure promise from the Father through the Word. That is, God Himself will perfect (meaning, complete thoroughly), establish (meaning, make stable), strengthen and settle us.
Are you worried about what the woes you are going through today are doing in your life? Then I have good news for you. They are meant to prepare you for the glorious life God has ahead of you.
Never give up on God. But keep moving on in faith.
In 1 Peter 5:11-14, Peter concluded his epistle by acknowledging some key ministers. For the purpose of how scripture is explained in detail in this set of article releases, it’ll not be written about. The next article will be the start of the 2nd Epistle of Peter. Thank you.
