THE DEVIL COMES TO DEVOUR
What type of Shepherd would take a nap knowing that his sheep is in danger of a lion? Satan is like a lion. This is no time to sleep.
THE DEVIL COMES TO DEVOUR
1 Peter 5:8 Your adversary the Devil…seeking whom he may devour
Evil exists. There is an evil force at work from the dawn of Creation to the end of this world (Genesis 3:1-5 Matthew 25:41). He is called Satan.
Devil
Satan is described in the Bible as the god of this world because of his influence on all earthly kingdoms (2 Corinthians 4:4 Ephesians 2:2 6:11-12 Matthew 4:8-9). By nature he is evil (John 8:44 17:15 1 John 2:13 1 Peter 5:8). In the Book of Revelations, he is described as The Great Dragon, The Old Serpent, and the Accuser of our Brethren (Revelations 12:9-10). Thankfully, he will be destroyed (Revelations 20:10).
Desire
Throughout history Satan has one primary desire which is to hurt mankind (Luke 22:31). He walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8 Job 1:6-12). He excludes no one from his mission of damnation (Matthew 4:1-3 Luke 22:3 31 1 Corinthians 7:5). Unfortunately, ministers are used heavily to carry out Satan’s plan (2 Corinthians 11:3 13-15).
Devour
The Devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is not a pretty sight to see a lion having a meal (Deuteronomy 33:20 1 King 13:26). In the same way, Satan harms his victims by taking the word from their heart (Luke 8:12), blinding their minds (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), and ultimately leading them into spiritual death (1 Thessalonians 3:5 James 1:13-15 Romans 6:23).
Duty
How should we respond to the facts that we have learned? Peter tells the church to be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8 9). This is not the time to sleep but to fight the good fight (1 Thessalonians 5:6 1 Timothy 6:12). Paul shows in detail how we can arm ourselves against the wiles of the Devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). James encourages us to put up a resistance (James 4:7).