Be Sober And Vigilant

I Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil like a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour.

This scripture is a very important admonition to us as Christians, yet it is so ignored and neglected by the majority of believers. I am convinced that most believers fall into two basic categories regarding the existence and works of the devil.

The first group does not really believe in a personal devil. I had a professor in a Christian college tell me when I was in school that there really isn’t a personal devil, there is just an atmosphere of evil permeating the world. Somebody better tell Jesus about that because after He fasted for forty days, an atmosphere came and tempted Him. Yea right. I never knew that an atmosphere could talk and even quote scripture.

The second group will tell you that they do believe in the devil, but in practical application they ignore the fact that he is real and real bent on their destruction. They seem to think that he is out there somewhere, but is not really active and real in day to day living.

Well, that is not what the Bible teaches and the Bible is God’s final word on any subject. Here in this scripture, we are strongly and strictly admonished to do two things and to take it very seriously.

First, we are told to be sober. Now that has nothing to do with drinking. It means to be serious and somber, in other words, to take this warning very seriously.

Secondly, we are told to be vigilant which means to be constantly on the watch for. Don’t let down your guard at any time because the enemy is out to get all that he can.