"The Adversary"

We have an adversary, the devil (I Pet. 5:8). "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." What is an adversary? The Greek term is made up of a compound word: the first word meaning 'justice' and the second word meaning 'against.' In other words the term adversary literally means 'against justice.' We have an adversary that is against all that is right and proper and looking for victims, especially easy targets! Who makes the easiest target? Those that lack soberness and alertness. Too many follow the world in religion, current patterns and trends without any regard of an adversary. They are not sober and alert!

The apostle John reminded those in Christ: "We know we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (I John 5:19) If one is sober minded and alert, this alone should speak to our heart. Our adversary is seeking someone to devour as he as already devoured the world. He is looking for anyone that belongs to the Lord and will use the world and it's influence to draw you toward him!

We were born into this world innocent and undefiled in our heart. A baby and little child is pure and precious. People are drawn to them because of their innocence. What eventually happens? The adversary, the devil draws that innocent child into his world that is against all justice and righteousness. Does the child know? Did you know? A child is overtaken a little piece here and there until they realize their separation from the Lord! We have all been through it! If our adversary could do it then, why could he not do it now? Many are so unaware and have little soberness (clear and watchful thinking). One has to be aware of their approach to situations because they realize the adversary is devious and a strategist.

When we speak of "devour" we are talking about ruining, completely swallowing up. We have seen people, how they once were vibrant in their service to the Lord to slowly drift away until one day, they are no more! They have been "devoured." Many have no clue as to what they give themselves to, situations they become involved in and programs they attach themselves to. There seems to be so little awareness, soberness in thinking and alertness. Many just don't see the world in the power of the evil one! They are the easy targets!!

We need to be careful. We need the full armor of God and put it on in order to be able to stand firm against the devil and his schemes (Eph. 6:11). We need soberness within and alertness of heart knowing our adversary is on the prowl and we are on his list as his next victim.