Earlier this year our country experienced a busy flu season. Unfortunately, for some, it even brought tragedy. My husband and I both found ourselves overtaken by the flu virus. For me, it was the result of a perfect storm. I had been out of my vitamins and my immune system had been compromised. It was as though the virus was lurking in the air and seized the opportunity to strike me.
This reminded me of a spiritual truth. Just as the flu virus was lurking about looking for a compromised immune system, so is our adversary, the devil looking for opportunities to get to us.
The word of God states in 1 Peter 5:8,
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert, Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (NASB)
One of the key words in this verse is “sober.” It is the Greek word “nepho” which is commonly used in reference to being “free from intoxicants.” (Vines Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words)
It is used here and in 1 Thessalonians 5:6,8 and in 1 Peter 1:13 in the context of being watchful and alert. There are distractions in this life that can act as intoxicants. Distractions whether good or bad can lull us into a spiritual stupor leaving us vulnerable to the devil.
His goal is our destruction as indicated by the word, “devour.” Jesus corroborates this when he said as recorded in John 10:10:
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and: destroy but I have come that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” (NASB)
The seriousness of the intent of our enemy should cause us to be intentional in fortifying our own defenses. Which requires us to know our own weaknesses. We must ask God to help us in those areas and avoid the things that will feed into those areas. In addition, we must engage in the following defensive procedures.
Find scriptures that offer promises and instruction that will help you gain strength in those vulnerable areas. Avoid overconfidence. Never feel you have arrived. Always remain dependent on the Spirit of God.
Offensive procedures are also necessary. The verse that follows 1 Peter 5:8 gives us the strategy.
“But resist him firm in your faith, knowing that that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who in the world.” (NASB)
Also, in James 4:7 it states:
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Therefore, the offensive strategy is to:
- Humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His Lordship through obedience to His word.
- Resist, stand against the devil and his tactics.
- Declare the verses of scripture that give promises of victory in your area of weakness. See Jesus’ example in Luke 4:1-14.
These are the keys to maintaining spiritual health and enjoying the abundant life that Jesus died and rose to give us.
The Challenge
What are your vulnerable areas? Where do you find yourself regularly experiencing defeat? Do you find yourself in a cycle of sin and repentance? Identify one area and be diligent to apply the principles I just shared and you will find yourself experiencing far more victories than defeats. Be blessed.
Shalom!
