1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.
We must be aware of our surroundings. Our enemy, the devil, is constantly looking for prey. He preys on the weak and afraid. Think about the comparison here: “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” This is not a hunting lion; it is a roaring lion.
A lion that is going around roaring is looking to strike fear into the hearts of those who hear him. Then the ones that get paralyzed by the fear make an easy target.
That is how the devil operates. He’s going around making a lot of ‘noise’, trying to get you to live in fear. If you are in fear he has a foothold into your life.
Where the confusion often comes, though, is people thinking that we need to ‘fight’ the devil. We do not have to fight the devil. All we are told to do is resist him by standing firm in our faith. Don’t listen to his lies, instead believe what God has told you. Faith reminds us that the devil has already been defeated and we have the victory.
Ultimately our victory lies with Christ Jesus and all that he did for us, but faith is what makes it real to us. So be self-controlled and alert. Know what is going on around you and that the devil wants you to live in fear. If you are aware of your surroundings nothing can surprise you.
Also know that everyone of your brothers are going through the same type of things. If we join together in faith it will be easier for us to stand firm and keep the devil at bay. He wants you isolated, alone and fearful. Stay in unity with the body of Christ and stand firm in your faith. Then the devil will not be able to touch you.
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