AS A ROARING LION PART 4

Peter outlines four major strategies that protect us from the attacks of the roaring lion:

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for

that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger],

seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his

onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same

(identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians)

throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9, AMP)

First, you must be self-controlled. Peter tell us to be sober, which means to be in control. He

says to be temperate, which means all things should be done in moderation. When you are bound by drugs, alcohol, anger, unforgiveness, etc., you are not in control. You are not sober spiritually when you allow these things to control you.

Second, you must be vigilant. Peter commands that we are to be "...be vigilant and cautious at all times". Vigilance means to be watchful and cautious. A tragic, but relevant example, is the 911 terrorist attack on America. Before this attack, Americans were not vigilant in their defense strategies, especially in terms of airport security. After 911, the United State became more vigilant because they finally realized there are enemies in the world whose aim is to destroy their nation.

Third, you must withstand Satan in the faith. Peter commands us to "withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]." To

do this, you must know the basics of your faith. The foundations of your faith are listed in

Hebrews 6:1-3 and include repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of

baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (If you are not

familiar with these, obtain the Harvesttime course entitled "Foundations of Faith" for further

study.)

Fourth, you must not isolate yourself. Don't spend time wondering why me? Peter says to

realize that the same battles you are facing are being experienced by others. In the natural world, lions attack when an animal becomes isolated from the herd. The same is true in the spiritual world. Remain close to your Christian brothers and sisters and get connected with a local body of believers. They will help you ward off many attacks from spiritual lions because they have faced similar challenges.

Satan is "as a roaring lion", but now you have learned the strategies to successfully confront his threats. Do not run from his roar. Run towards it and conquer the lion in the name of the Lord!