The Lion-like Devourer
Text: I Peter 5:8 IBCWPM May 30, 2007
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Imaginative artists from all corners of the world have various
ways of presenting to the populace how the devil looks like. Some cartoonists portray him as funny character while some present
him as hideous evil and serious person with a purpose to destroy mankind. Certainly, we do not know how Satan really looks
like, but we believe his real existence and his deceitfulness.
The Bible plainly tells us of the reality of the devil, and at
the same time, warns us of his crafty attack against believers. In I Peter 5:8, it says, 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. (KJV) These verses describe
the threatening activity of the lion-like devourer which could attack anyone at any time.
The Apostle Peter mentioned in his epistle about our adversary,
which is the devil, while Apostle John wrote in I John 2:1-2 about our Advocate, which is our Lord Jesus Christ. It is so
interesting because both of them used words that could widen our understanding concerning our accuser, and our Intercessor
and Comforter, which is the Lord. The word “Adversary” literally means an opponent in a court of justice, while
the word “Advocate” refers to a petitioner who is pleading for someone on the ground of justice. What a blessing
for believers to have an advocate every time we are accused by our adversary.
As we go deeper on our study about the lion-like devourer, it
is best to take note how our adversary entices, manipulates and attacks people so we may not remain ignorant concerning spiritual
warfare, but be prepared anywhere and anytime he attacks us. The Bible warns us that our adversary, the devil, is like a roaring
lion that walks around looking for a prey. Be watchful - don’t be a victim, but be a victor in Christ.
(I)
Don’t
Underestimate Him
I
Peter 5:8 (Daniel 6:24)
-We must have self-control
A man without self-control is an easy prey of the devil. On the other hand, a man who is sober will
surely enjoy the protection of God. Temperance keeps us away from flesh-triggered activities which could divert us from our
spiritual walk with the Lord. Be sober. We must let the Holy Ghost control our lives so we may experience a victorious Christian
life.
-We must be watchful at all times
Watchfulness is a very important quality of true believers.
The Bible tells us to be watchful and prayerful. Without watchfulness and prayerfulness, a professing believer will never
enjoy God’s special protection upon his life. We must keep on praying and watching because the devil wants to destroy
us in a humiliating way. We must put our trust in the Lord and be ready to resist the devil at all times and God will give
us the victory.
-We must know our adversary
Knowing more about our enemy is always an advantage for us when it comes to spiritual warfare. We
thank God because through His Word, Satan’s manipulating tactics are being exposed. The Bible tells us that our adversary
is a lion-like devourer and such information should not be taken lightly.
Don’t ever
underestimate the power of the devil. Our own strength is never enough to resist him. We need to humble and submit first our
lives to God before we could resist and fight victoriously over him.
In James 4:7, it says, Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV) Outside the center of God’s will, we cannot resist and overcome
our adversary. We must acknowledge our weaknesses before God and humbly pray to Him for wisdom, strength and protection so
we could withstand the attacks of the devil and display the power of God through our lives, especially in times of temptations.
(II)
Be A Daniel-like
Believer
Daniel is a well-known Bible character and his deliverance from the mouths of lions is very relevant
to our subject today. Daniel exemplified a victorious spiritual believer and no one was able to hinder him from his secular
and spiritual advancement.
We strongly believe that behind those threatening events
in Daniel’s days were the workings of the adversary, the devil. The devil tried to use people and even lions to destroy
him, but God preserved his life because of his unquestionable faith in the Living God.
As the world is getting worse, true Christians must stand
firmly for the Truth and be ready to fight a good fight against the enemies of God especially the devil – the lion-like
devourer. We are in need of “Daniel-like believers” in our time.
-A man of firm and godly conviction
Daniel 1:8
-A man of wisdom
Daniel 1:17 Daniel 5:14
-A man of faith
Daniel 6:23
-A man of prayer
Daniel 6:10
We are in a world where professing Christians are doing some uneasy balancing acts before world-oriented
people. The pressure of ecumenical movement, women lib, liberalism, global modernization, cultist groups, ungodly viewpoints
and spiritual indifference surely lead more professing believers to confusion and spiritual shipwreck. We believe that behind
these questionable movements are the workings of the devil.
Knowing that perilous time is coming, true Christians must
stand firm and rely on the promises of God. Our time in this present life is so short and the Lord will come at the least
expected moment. It is then wise for us to keep on praying and watching so we may not be caught unaware the moment the devil
attacks us with his final and destructive assault.
Remember what the Apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 5:8, it
says, 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.
(KJV) Be strong in the Lord! Keep on trusting and shining for Him and the Lord will give you more victories for His honor
and glory.
