1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
This is an often-quoted verse. The problem is that we have heard it so many times that maybe we have overlooked what it really means. So, let’s take a closer look.
We live in a world that is constantly barraging us with temptations and distractions. Every minute of every day we have to make choices. We have to choose to do right or do wrong.
It’s not usually complicated. We make the choice to do what pleases God, or we choose to do what pleases our flesh.
But just because it isn’t complicated doesn’t mean that it’s not intricate in its origins or its repercussions. And that is why the verse above is so significant.
The temptations and distractions we face come at the hands of our enemy, the devil. They are not just random or by chance.
Many times, we may set ourselves up for them by things that we do. These things that we do can lead us into temptation.
This is why it’s so important for us to be sober (self-controlled, clearheaded, temperate) and vigilant (watchful, observant, alert, attentive, cautious, wary, prepared).
This allows us to avoid the traps of the enemy and escape them unharmed and whole, not getting caught up in the traps set for us.
Sometimes we may take these things lightly, but it’s important for us to understand that they are serious!
As we read on, we see how serious is it. We are told that he is our adversary (enemy, opponent, combatant, opposition). And he has one goal; to devour (defeat, kill, eliminate, destroy) us.
God has equipped us, given us everything we need to defeat the enemy in our lives. We have His Spirit dwelling in us. We have His word to teach us. And He has given us direct access to Him, through prayer (talking to Him and hearing from Him).
It’s up to us, though, to follow Him closely enough to be able to hear Him and have the desire to do what He shows us to do.
Be sober. Be vigilant.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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