Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 WEB
As Christians, we talk a lot about forgiveness and the goodness of God. However, so many of us spend very little time thinking about the enemy of mankind. There is an adversary that opposes all of the good things of God. Just as God wants that all go to heaven, Satan wants to tempt as many people as he can away from God. He wants to take us to hell with him. For this reason, scripture warns the faithful to be watchful for the adversary of God and man.
For every good thing, there is its opposite. Lies oppose the truth. Death opposes life. Evil opposes goodness and on and on. Just as God is real, the Devil is also real. And so, how should we live, knowing that there is a spiritual enemy with an objective to bring harm to the children of God? Peter’s answer is clear. He tells us to, “Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful.”
The Lord makes clear for those who believe and repent from sin, our place in eternity is safe. However, the enemy tries to destroy our faith. He introduces fear and temptation into our hearts in efforts to lead us away from God. He sends false teachers to distort the word of God. As we read in Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. KJV” If he can’t take us to hell, he will try to make us miserable through mistakes on the way to heaven.
The Father of Lies
Satan is a liar as Jesus said in John 8:44, “You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. WEB” The adversary uses deception to try and separate us from God. Satan destroys with lies and misinformation.
So, what do we do to avoid the traps set by the Devil? Follow the advice of Peter. “Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful.” Know the word of God. In obedience, follow the will of God. When the enemy attacks, go to God in prayer. Take comfort in scriptures like Psalm 91:2-3 that says, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for being my refuge in times of trouble. Protect me from the attacks of the enemy. Give me wisdom to understand your word and your will. Help me to be watchful to avoid the pitfalls the enemy intends to use to destroy my faith in you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Joy of Your Salvation
