Satan’s Prey

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1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:


If you are saved, your soul is safe. But Satan is still your adversary and can destroy your life, your testimony, and family. Like a lion he “walketh about, seeking” the easy prey, the most vulnerable. You are not to rebuke or antagonize him; only resist. The best way to resist is to stay out of range. Don’t become easy prey.

Satan preys on the proud (vss. 5-6); those who refuse to submit to God and others He has put in their path. Their spirit of insurgence and independence actually causes God to resist them. And when the Lord pushes you away, it is harder to resist Satan.

The burdened (vs. 7) are often taken down by this lion because they are way behind the rest of the herd. They are moving much slower than everyone else thus becoming easy prey. They should cast their cares upon Jesus and let Him carry their heavy load, then they wouldn’t always be lagging behind all alone without support.

The careless (vs. 8) will survive for merely a brief stint. Not taking the things of God seriously will eventually catch up with them. Not paying attention to spiritual things will cost them dearly in the end.

            Finally, it is certain that quitters (vs. 9) will be devoured by this fearless fiend. Just because they used to resist, and used to “be vigilant” means nothing now. Giving up has sealed their fate.

            What will become of you? Will you become prey for Satan? Will you humble yourself and listen to others? Will you give your burdens to the Lord? Will you “be sober” and take your spiritual life seriously? Will you resist, and keep fighting till the end? Don’t be a victim, be a victor! Resist. Resist. Resist!