Simply the Bible Blog

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

The rules of warfare in the 21st century have changed. Once upon a time the enemy was clearly identifiable and an ocean away. But now our foe can live among us, disguised as our neighbor, but actually be an agent of terror. These are the new rules, and we dare not lower our guard.

Likewise, we all face an unseen enemy who seeks the destruction of our eternal soul. If our soul is secure in the hand of Jesus Christ, then Satan will do whatever he can to deceive and disable us. He prowls around like a roaring lion—cunning, subtle and strong. With ravishing hunger he seeks to devour anyone he can. His chief instrument against us is lies. Because we are frail and vulnerable, he whispers to us, appealing to our self-interest. He promises us freedom but delivers slavery; he promises fullness but delivers emptiness.

According to Ephesians 6, our great weapons against our unseen enemy are the shield of faith, the sword of the word of God, and Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered prayer. If we are going to overcome him we must learn to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Practically, we must take our thoughts to the light of His word to see if they are true or false. If we let our guard down and listen to our own emotions, fears or anxieties rather than the truth, then we will be led astray, and Satan will get a foothold in our heart.

Now the good news is that you aren’t alone in this battle. If the enemy is too much for you then call upon the Lord and your brother or sister for help. Send up a flare; ask for prayer! If we see our brother or sister being deceived, corrupted or consumed by sin, then love requires that we seek to restore him or her in a spirit of humility and gentleness (Gal. 6:1).

Let’s start a neighborhood watch for our unseen enemy. That old lion is fat enough!