THE CRUCIAL NECESSITY OF SOBER ALERTNESS

December 20, 2021

THE CRUCIAL NECESSITY OF SOBER ALERTNESS


"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Years ago, I went on many mission trips with a former fighter pilot who was a Viet Nam veteran. He told me many stories, most of them true! But one of the things I will never forget is his description of the environments in which they worked in Viet Nam.

The most debilitating thing was that you never knew who was an enemy or friend, Don said. The man beside you could be one who was thrilled you were there or a sworn enemy who would knife you in the back if you turned. You had to always be on the alert.

This became evident to me one night in Chile. We were rooming together when an earthquake hit our hotel. He was out the door in two seconds because he had learned to sleep lightly and always put his shoes and all essentials right beside his bed. He was sober and alert.

A HOSTILE WORLD

This world is not a friendly environment to the believer. The devil and his demons are prowling unceasingly. There is no timeclock our enemy. He never decides to give us a little break. Just the opposite. Like a lion with a wounded prey, our weakest moments are our most vulnerable. He is not interested in teasing you but devouring you. And the pages of history are filled with his victims.

HIS PROMISE

Overcoming Satan is not the problem for he has already been defeated by our Elder Brother. In fact, Christ assures us that we can overcome him. If we resist him, he must flee. We have all we need for victory at our disposal through the blood of Christ. But we must know the enemy is there or we won’t stand in spiritual warfare.

Spiritual awareness will lead us to unceasing prayer.

"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

These two are related. If we are not sober minded, understanding the seriousness of each moment, we won't pray. And, if we do not pray, we will be an easy prey for the enemy.

Be sober. Be alert. Be praying. Be resisting. And After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).

 

 





Also in Graceful Truth

ARE YOU IN ADAM OR IN CHRIST?
ARE YOU IN ADAM OR IN CHRIST?

March 18, 2024

If you are in Christ, you are forgiven! You are justified before God! You are standing before God with peace facing Him. You stand in a state of grace (and forever will). All of this has been accomplished totally and completely by God the Father and His precious Son.

Continue Reading

GOD'S DELIBERATE ENCOURAGEMENT
GOD'S DELIBERATE ENCOURAGEMENT

March 13, 2024

God knows us. He gives us what we need when we need it. Even when we have blown it royally, He reminds us of His resurrected and powerful life—a life we enjoy because He lives in us. A life that lifts us up and encourages us, meeting us right where we are. A life that makes us usable, even with our imperfections.

Continue Reading

THE OBJECT OF GOD'S DELIGHT
THE OBJECT OF GOD'S DELIGHT

March 11, 2024

Did you know that God delights in what He creates? That it brings Him joy? And that includes you?

Continue Reading