Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure.
1 Peter 5:8-9 TPT
Every believer must know that we have a common enemy. The devil is the believer’s common enemy and his mission is to destroy as many as he can. Therefore, we are here warned that we must “be well balanced and always alert”. Or as rendered in the King James version: “Be sober, be vigilant”. This is a serious reminder for all believers to acknowledge the current reality we are facing. We are not to be anxious about anything nor are we to be careless and sleeping in our faith.
The devil is sneaking around like a hungry lion looking for food. This tells us how serious he is in his business of hunting for the souls of men. Believers, likewise, must therefore be serious about not falling the devil’s prey.
Meanwhile, it’s important to remember that while the devil is an enemy to all believers, he is also specifically an enemy to you. Therefore, he is seeking to devour you. He does not want you to receive the blessing of a faithful servant who has done his work well. You must take a decisive stand against him and resist all his attacks with strong and vigorous faith. As the devil is relentless, you must also remain vigilant and always prepared to resist him, to avoid falling prey to the enemy of your soul at any moment.
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 AMPC
Therefore, stay alert, understand the devil’s tactics through scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and remain steadfast in prayer. Keep pace with Jesus Christ and make sure to keep growing and not fall behind.
To resist the devil, strengthen your faith by being resolute and unwavering in it. And you can be sure that he will flee from you when you refuse to give in to him. Whatever challenges you might be going through today, remember that you are not alone and that there is overwhelming victory for you in Christ Jesus.
