"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
1 Peter 5:8
Part 1
“Be sober, be vigilant;”
These are essential words for the watchful believer. Here are two words that Paul uses together also.
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
To be “sober” is the Greek word that is used to caution a person to abstain from wine.[1] In the previous verse, Peter writes about “cares” that would overcome us. If we are not sober-minded and thinking clearly, we can let our cares overwhelm and “intoxicate our souls.” We must cast our cares onto our Lord’s mighty shoulders, He will carry them for us. Only then can we have that “sound mind,” to think clearly in the battle with evil.
Being “vigilant” is keeping awake and watching. Pay attention, watch for how the enemy of your soul will attack.
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).
Believer, why are these definite commands here for us? Because we are in a battle and have a genuine enemy, who wants to destroy us.
“Because your adversary the devil,”
“Your adversary.” The original New Testament word comes from a compound word that means “against,” and “a lawsuit.”[2] This is the Devil’s work.
Satan is our “opponent.” He is “one who opposes another in purpose or act” [3] (Thayer).
The Devil is our “slanderer,” the “accuser of the brethren,” (Revelation 12:10).
He is our “enemy” (Matthew 13:39). Do not trust him!
He is a “liar” and a “murderer,” (John 8:44). Do not believe what he tells you!
He is the one who tempts us to do wrong (James 1:13-15; Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Do not give in to his temptations!
How does this enemy work against us? What are his tactics? Come back tomorrow and let’s see what we can learn.
[1] Nephw, means to “abstain from wine,” and figuratively means to “be discreet.” See WAVE Parallel Bible study app.
[2] M.R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. See an illustration of Satan, the adversary at law in Zechariah 3:1-5.
[3] J.H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.