The apostle Peter wrote that we should "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Pet. 5:8). It is quite possible for us to be lulled into a legs-than-vigilant state in which we do not regard Satan's threat with sobriety or seriousness. The devil is no laughing matter -- he is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour!

The next verse says that we are to "resist" him "in the faith," which does not mean simply holding to proper doctrine (though that is important), but resting our whole case with Jesus Christ the Son of God. If we consider ourselves to be one with the Lord, trust in His obedient life and atoning death for our right standing with the Father, and show our true faith by careful obedience -- the victory which Christ has won already over Satan, becomes our victory as well.

It is when we the Lords word, rely on our own power or strength, or trust ourselves for a right standing with God that Satan finds us most vulnerable. In any of these circumstances our guard is down  and then Satan strikes to kill. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (I Jno. 5:4), the shield which extinguishes all the devil's fiery darts (Eph. 6:16).

Peter continues with the promise that "the God of all grace," after we have suffered "a while," will "Perfect, establish, strengthen and settle" us - just as He has called us to "His eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (I Pet. 5: 10). "To Him be glory and dominion for ever!" (vs.11)

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XV: 10, p. 9
January 14, 1971