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. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Be sober; be vigilant is not a suggestion; it’s a command that Peter wrote to fellow Christians. Being clear-minded, watchful, always on guard, and always ready is the standard operating procedure for living a Christian life. Why? Because you have a real enemy. That enemy isn’t the person who doesn’t like you or the boss who keeps giving you extra work. The enemy we fight is the devil and his minions.
Peter called for Christians to be vigilant because our adversary, the devil, prowls around, intimidating believers to cower and not use their authority. A lion doesn’t roar to attack; it roars to intimidate.
Peter explained that being sober and vigilant will translate into active resistance to the enemy's tactics. You are not called to oppose sin and evil passively but to combat them when they appear in your life and the lives of those around you. Our faith is our strongest defense against the devil’s attacks. Faith comes from reading, speaking, studying God’s Word, and living out your faith in daily opportunities.
Know that you are not alone in the fight. Peter explained to his readers that other believers worldwide were fighting the same struggle, and they still are today.
Practical Application
When temptations or negative thoughts arise, do not be passive about the fight but actively resist by speaking God’s Word out loud. Find Scripture to prepare you mentally, emotionally, or physically to defend against the enemy’s attacks. Speak with confident faith and expect to see a change.