1 Peter 5:8-11
Dear Brethren,
"The enemy approaches!" shouts the soldier looking out over the ridge. "Prepare for battle!!" is the cry heard throughout the ranks. The soldiers ready their weapons and take their positions. Their hearts pound as they watch and wait for the enemy to attack. These men have spent years training for this battle. They are ready. They are willing. With the first shot and the first life given in duty, the battle begins . . .
Okay, so I am not a novelist. However, the above would appear to describe one small battle in a raging war. A battle between two opposing sides. However, the above could also illustrate a greater battle taking place all around us. It is a battle between good and evil, a battle between the "army of the Lord" and Satan. While a Christian's battle against Satan is not with swords or guns, it is a spiritual and physical battle. Satan will try to "devour" Christians, attacking them with physical and emotional temptations, trying to weaken their spiritual resolve to serve the Lord. Satan will try to tempt a Christian at his weakest moment, a time when his resolve wavers.
Christians must be vigilant or watchful. Christians must never let their guard down. They must always be prepared for Satan to attack through various means and temptations. If the Christian will be prepared when Satan strikes, then, by resisting Satan, the Christian will overcome this enemy. Here is 1 Peter 5:8-11 presented for your consideration.
1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
In Love,
John Duvall
"The enemy approaches!" shouts the soldier looking out over the ridge. "Prepare for battle!!" is the cry heard throughout the ranks. The soldiers ready their weapons and take their positions. Their hearts pound as they watch and wait for the enemy to attack. These men have spent years training for this battle. They are ready. They are willing. With the first shot and the first life given in duty, the battle begins . . .
Okay, so I am not a novelist. However, the above would appear to describe one small battle in a raging war. A battle between two opposing sides. However, the above could also illustrate a greater battle taking place all around us. It is a battle between good and evil, a battle between the "army of the Lord" and Satan. While a Christian's battle against Satan is not with swords or guns, it is a spiritual and physical battle. Satan will try to "devour" Christians, attacking them with physical and emotional temptations, trying to weaken their spiritual resolve to serve the Lord. Satan will try to tempt a Christian at his weakest moment, a time when his resolve wavers.
Christians must be vigilant or watchful. Christians must never let their guard down. They must always be prepared for Satan to attack through various means and temptations. If the Christian will be prepared when Satan strikes, then, by resisting Satan, the Christian will overcome this enemy. Here is 1 Peter 5:8-11 presented for your consideration.
1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
In Love,
John Duvall
