Introduction:     Peter reminds us in verse 7 that Christians are the sheep of the Great Shepherd. It is interesting that our enemy is described as a lion in the next verse. Victory is assured to the believer. We are in a fight but it is not a fight for victory. We are fight the good fight from a position of victory. There are at lest three truths here that we need to understand if we are to battle the devil successfully.

I.          THE NEED OF CAUTION (V.8)

            A.        Be Alert

“Sober” = a self-controlled mind; having a mind that will not panic or be paralyzed by fear. The key to victory over the devil is not to focus on the devil, but to focus on the One who conquered the devil at Calvary ! If I’m going to be clear-headed and have a sober mind two things are going to have to happen.

·        Filled With The Holy Spirit – Yield every area of my life to God. Our problems come when we hold on to certain things in our lives. Things that we will not surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

·        Focus On Who I Am In Jesus – I have to focus on the facts of salvation – When He died, I died and when He arose, I arose. I have the Holy Spirit living in me. I already have the victory. I am a redeemed child of God. I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. Jesus loves me and my life is hid with Christ in God.

When I’m filled with the Spirit (having submitted everything to God) and I recognize who I am in Jesus Christ. I have been taken from a life of sin to a life of sainthood and the Holy Spirit is in me conforming me into the image of Jesus Christ, them I can have a sober mind.

            B.         Be Aware

“Vigilant” = to be wake and watchful. Be prepared when the attack come against you.

·        Be discerning about what you are taught about God’s Word. Be aware of false doctrine.

·        Be discerning about where you go and who you hang with.

II.         THE THREAT OF CONFLICT (V.8)

Notice thee facts about our enemy the devil.

            A.        He Is Real

“Adversary” = an opponent

            B.         He Is Restless

“Walketh about” The devil is not omnipresent. He is looking for an opportunity to sow division 

            C.        He Is Ruthless

“Roaring lion” = fierceness cruelty. Satan seeks to put the believer out of commission. How is he going to do that? By attacking your health; your emotional stability; your marriage; your self-worth. But more than anywhere else he’s going to attack your faith. He’ll try to get you to doubt God (expound…that is what happened to Adam & Eve).

Now, for some Good News…

III.       THE POSSIBILITY OF CONQUEST (V.9)

            A.        By A Firm Resistance

            B.         By A Faith That Is Real

Conclusion:       Every believer is called to battle stations to war against the world the flesh and the devil. Faith is the victory. (1 John 5:4) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."