Scripture: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – 1 Peter 5:8
Examination: Peter gives a chain of authority in this chapter and explains the necessity for following the pastor that has been established by God in the local church. Additionally, Peter writes that believers are to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God will restore when struggles and challenges present themselves.
Application: March 15th is known as the “Ides of March”, which basically means the middle of the March. However, historically, it is most remembered as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus and other members of the Roman Senate. Because of that, this date has been associated with misfortune and doom to which the Shakespearean phrase cautions, “Beware the Ides of March”.
Like Caesar, you and I have a formidable enemy who wishes to destroy us. He made his first appearance in the Garden of Eden, and he has been seeking to destroy God’s children ever since. He goes by many different names in Scripture, including Satan, the devil, the Father of lies, and more.
While some are very cavalier about Satan and his influences in our lives, make no mistake about one key fact. He is extremely clever, intelligent, and much more powerful than humanity often gives him credit. Another key point is the truth that Satan doesn’t make someone sin… he tempts us to sin, but we choose to partake. One of the most common ways that we fall into temptation is by his initial method used in Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Satan appears as a beautiful snake and speaks to Eve instilling doubt in her mind, which eventually leads her to choose disobedience.
When we begin to doubt God’s Word, we become open to all the lies and deceit that hell has to offer. Here are three of Satan’s lies that humanity readily accepts as truth.
- Lie: The Bible is outdated.
- TRUTH: God’s Word is a “forever” document. Isaiah 40:8 states, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” It was relevant when God first inspired men to write it, and it is relevant today as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
- When we determine that the Bible is no longer applicable to our lives, we lose all standards for righteous and godly living. Satan perpetuates the lie that sinful behaviors are completely acceptable. When we engage in sin, we become separated from our heavenly Father as seen in the severing of the relationship between God and Adam and Eve.
- Lie: God didn’t mean it like that.
- TRUTH: Every word in the Scriptures is presented exactly as God intends. It is not up for each person’s private interpretation as stated in 2 Peter 1:20, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”
- To skew the Bible to fit one’s personal desires or circumstances is exactly what Satan hopes to persuade mankind to do as that is the path of sin and leads to destruction. Once we do that, it becomes very easy to justify our sinful actions and leads us further from God.
- Lie: God doesn’t exist; we are all gods.
- TRUTH: When looking around our world, everything speaks to intelligent design. Even true science doesn’t argue that there had to be some incredible creative event. All evidence points to a Creator. To deny God makes no sense as many scientists now admit. Psalm 14:1 states, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” In His own words, God states in Isaiah 45:18, “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.”
- Satan desires us to elevate ourselves to a position that only belongs to the LORD, but we must remember that as the creation, we are not and cannot be equal to the Creator, and our Creator is God… the only God in heaven and earth. When we believe we are gods ourselves, we no longer have any use for the Lord, and that leaves us wide open to Satan’s attacks.
When doubts arise in your mind about God and His Word, here are a few defensive actions you can take.
- Go to the source! Grab your Bible, read it, and allow God’s Spirit to speak to your heart through its words.
- Pray earnestly! Cry out to the Lord and He will hear you! He will protect and uphold you by His strength and Spirit.
- Talk to your pastor for help in understanding where the doubts are coming from and how to manage them.
No one wants to face a lion in the wild; it is most likely a certain death sentence. That is why Peter describes Satan as a lion… a lion that wants to destroy and kill each one of us. There is no mercy, no hesitation, and definitely no love between this predator and its prey. We are no match for an African lion, and we are definitely no match for Satan. But we have Someone who is. 2 Thessalonians promises, “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” When you’re walking with God, even the lions shut their mouths… just ask Daniel.
Memory Verse: “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:18
Stretching your thoughts:
1. To whom can you go when spiritual doubts are overwhelming?
2. How can God’s spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) help you fight against doubts and fears?
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same; and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!
(from “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by Martin Luther)