Battles are easily lost when we fail to identify the real enemy. The apostle Peter makes it clear in 1 Peter 5:8 when he writes, “your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” Not only does Peter help us clearly identify the Devil as our real enemy, but he also explains our enemy's approach. Peter explains that the Devil is as "a roaring lion" prowling around the neighborhood (if you will) "seeking whom he may devour," spiritually.
Imagine a house in a usually quiet neighborhood, however, the family of four that lives in that house is having an argument. The husband and wife are yelling at one another, slamming doors, and screaming hurtful insults back and forth. Their teenage son and daughter can't help but hear their parents arguing. The son thinks his father is right in the argument, while the daughter sides with the mother. Just as the family's drama hits a fever pitch, suddenly they hear a loud noise outside their house. They discover a prowler lurking outside the window of their home. At the moment they recognize that there's a prowler outside, the petty differences in their argument disappear, and the family immediately unites as one, to protect their home.
When Peter instructs the reader to "be sober and vigilant," he's saying, PAY ATTENTION to the real enemy who wants to destroy you, and don't be confused about who is your real enemy. As you study the life of the apostle Peter, you learn that Peter speaks from experience.
Peter knows first-hand that the Devil is a diabolical enemy who prowls around the neighborhood of the human heart and attempts to devour Christians through discouragement, doubt, and personal defeat. But, Peter also knows first-hand the sweet victory over the Devil that only Christ provides. James 4 powerfully explains, "Resist the devil and he WILL flee from you."
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:7-11; James 4:7-8, Ephesians 6:10-20
This devotion was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below with your feedback.
MORE SFL:
Overcoming Jealousy - Pastor James C. Johnson
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