Are You Devourable?

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith…”  I Peter 5:8-9

            Christians typically make one of two mistakes regarding Satan.  Either they discount the existence of Satan, reducing him to the personification of the potential evil present in our world, or they go to the opposite extreme, seeing satanic activity in every illness, addiction and atmospheric disturbance. 

            Satan is real.  Jesus Himself spoke of him in terms that were in no way symbolic.  Paul describes him as disguising himself as an angel of light.  He, too, clearly believed in the person of Satan.  He is described as the author of lies, and James says that what comes from him is disorder and every evil thing.

            Satan is bad, no question about it.  But he is not to be a source of fear for the believer in Jesus Christ.  His doom is sure.  While we enjoy heaven and fellowship with God, Satan’s demise, already foretold, will be in the lake of fire.  He holds no power over us, except that which we give him.  Jesus conquered Satan and took his power over us away when He died in our place, and rose from the dead.  “Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.” 

            Peter tells us that Satan prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour.  Clearly, not everyone is devourable.  Peter tells us how to be devour-proof.  Resist him.  Stand firm.  James 4:8 tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us.  Not actively fight against. Not exorcise.  Not even engage in warfare.  Simply resist.  James goes on to remind us that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. 

            Our view of Satan must be balanced.  Our attitude must be one of realistic respect.  He is real. If we give him a chance, show him areas of sin that we refuse to submit to God, then we leave ourselves open to his attacks.  But we are sealed by the Spirit and indwelt by God.  We should not be overawed by his brilliance or cowed by his power.  He is feeble indeed in comparison to Christ.

            Lord Jesus, give us victory over Satan and his schemes.  Help us to hand every area of our lives over in submission to You.  Help us to keep our eyes so firmly on You that Satan is irrelevant.  Thank You for Your work of salvation and freedom in our lives.