1 Peter 5:8-9 Resist Steadfast in the Faith

1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

The warfare of the Christian is unprovoked for his adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking about whom he may devour. He is therefore to be sober, be cleared-headed, be self-controlled, being free from every form of mental and spiritual excess (Friberg Lexicon), be vigilant, give strict attention to, be cautious, active, to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one. In this case, the wiles of the evil one (Strong’s).

Both verbs “sober” and “vigilant” are commands signifying actions not begun. In other words, the Christian is to start being aware of the danger that he is in and resist the devil’s temptation in the faith, by trusting God and His Word, standing firm on the promises of God.

Such were the battles earlier generations of Christians have fought, here described as “the same afflictions”. The Bible character, Job, was such an example. He did not lose faith but said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”. Job was not aware that his afflictions were allowed of God for Satan to test his faith. He came forth as gold as our example of victory amidst temptations! Amen.