It is funny when we think about satan and how he attacks those who trust God, we often think that he is out to destroy us, this is far from the truth. The reality for the believer we must understand that there is no power in our lives except the power from God, thus anytime there is a test “God sent the devil.”
In “1 Peter 5:8-10 the Bible informs us to be sober. Read with me; – 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish you, strengthen, settle you.
Within this understanding we find that what we have been taught about satan does not merit the truth. As I studied this information to gain a greater understanding as I outlined three points of contextual understanding.
Pt. 1 The writer uses the word (as) which denotes a simile, which compares one thing to another, making its comparison more emphatic in its description. Thus the writer uses a Loin in expressing the devil. “The devil is not a lion.” To warn the readers he tells them to be sober. The Lion is used to show the importance of not being in a state of unconscious intoxication because the treat of being overtaken.
Pt. 2 The enemy has access to the believer by two ways. In I John 2:16 the Bible says “all that is in this world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.” Anyone operating in this world because satan is the prince of the world give the prince access to their lives. This access cause havoc in the lives of those connected to this world. He can only make noises. And example of this is when Goliath came out against the armies of Israel. the Bible said for (40) days he came out and lifted his voice against Israel. Guess what? Without a blow a fight the army was scared because they were connected to him being on the same battle field. David who was not connected to the Ary or the battle was not scared. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine who come against the armies of the Lord.” David killed the giant with a slingshot and cut off his head. He was not connected to the battlefield, he even told Saul the King I can not wear your armor, it was connected this world to Saul not God.
Pt. 3 God says the believer because of the gospel will suffer but he never says satan will have power of Gods church. He says in this suffering he will make us complete and perfect according to his word/the gospel. in verse 10. God says he will eestablish us , strengthen us, settle us through the power of the work of the cross, redemption.
In Matthews Chapter 4 the Bible illustrates that God is all power. It states that God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus tells satan, “It is written that though salt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Wait Jesus says “The Lord Thy God.” Meaning that God is more powerful than satan.
Therefore if you are in Christ his word know that the attack comes from God who sent the devil.” Paul stated that the messenger of satan was sent by God because of the abundance of revelation given him, to keep him humble. Don’t be afraid of satan he has no power over your life.
Robert Johnson
