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: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

The word “devil” means “slanderer” or “accuser” from the root verb “to accuse”. He is called the Christian’s adversary because he sought to bring harm to him. He is fierce and seeks his prey viciously. Therefore, the Christian is exhorted to be sober, that is, to be alert and not drunken, to be on guard and set a constant watch. The attack can come from any angle and therefore the Christian must be awake and not be asleep.

To resist steadfastly in the faith is to know and obey God and His Word and not be deceived by the falsehood of the adversary. Adam and Eve fell because they listened to the enticement of the devil and hearkened to it. It was a dear price to pay. It was paradise lost!

The trials and temptations that come to the Christian are common to every believer though to different degrees and under different circumstances. The Christian is exhorted to keep faith and trust God to bring him through every trial and temptation. Amen.