1 Peter 5:8-9
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world".
Have you ever watched how lions stalk their prey? It's amazing, they are extremely patient, waiting in the brush or high grass. Watching. Sometimes they will sit in the high grass for hours, picking out which calf would be the easiest to attack. I witnessed this form of hunting from the window of my apartment one day.
It was the neighborhood stray cat, I watched as he climbed up a tree and crept slowly on its branches. There was no doubt in my mind what he was up to, the constant chirping of birds seated above him had caught his attention and he looked like he could be a little hungry. The birds had no idea of the lurking danger, they just carried on about their day flying in and out feeding their chicks and building their nest. I watched for over a period of 30 minutes as the cat sat low and hunched down on a branch almost as if he was lounging, yet his focus would shift periodically toward the chirping birds. He was waiting for the right opportunity. I didn't wait around to witness his attack, for lack of time, but I surely took some notes on his stalking technique and it was quite biblical in explanation.
We should not be ignorant of the wiles of the devil nor his devices. He has tactics that can be spotted by the spiritual eye, which is why we should always stay in tune with the leading of the Holy Ghost. The bible says that the things of the Spirit are spiritually discerned, they cannot be discerned by the carnal mind, we must seek the mind of God to stay relevant in this spiritual battle.
The Apostle Peter gave us two keys to spot out the devil.
Soberness: The state of being clearheaded, levelheaded, or not drunk.
With our adversary the devil walking about, we cannot afford to be caught off guard. The sober mind is the avenue the Holy Ghost will work through, he will bring discernment. The mind that is not sober is unfit for warfare and will easily become a prisoner of war. The cares of this world, neglecting spiritual disciplines, or riotous living will render you weak and vulnerable which is the type of prey the "Lion" seeks after. Satan cannot contend against the sober minded saint.
Vigilance: Watchfulness, to be awake, or to give strict attention.
We must keep watchful for possible dangers or difficulties. The vigilant saint cannot be caught off guard, this proactive approach is designed to anticipate all attacks. The word of God already gives us warning that our enemy is seeking whom he may devour, so we must be on the lookout not only for ourselves but for those around us. Paul exhorted the elders of the church in Ephesus to. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood". 1 Timothy 4:16
This "taking heed" or "being attentive to" was what the Elders or overseers were to do while feeding the flock, as Pastors over God's flock Elders are to be vigilant enough to perceive the attacks of satan.
"Be Sober, Be Vigilant". While we are out grazing, enjoying the abundant life that the Lord has given us, be mindful that as long as we are on this earth our adversary is seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. We should endeavor to shun all distractions that destroy our inhibitions and cloud our spiritual vision. Take a look at the picture of the lurking Lion, this is a reality for us. You are the Water buffalo in that picture! Satan is quite literally walking about, watching and waiting, he does not sleep. Use these two keys in your warfare against him, satan cannot catch nor contend with an obedient and spirit filled saint.
Authored by:
MIT. John W. Jenkins
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