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. (1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)
Devil seeking to devour
Here, the apostle does three things. First, he shows them their danger from an enemy more cruel and restless than even the worst of men. He describes this enemy by his names and character. He is an adversary—your adversary, not a common one, but an enemy who prosecutes you in your most important case and targets your very soul. He is the devil, the great accuser of the brethren. This title comes from a word meaning “to stab” or “strike through.” He wants to inject malice into our hearts and poison into our souls. If he had succeeded in stirring up these believers to anger and complaining during their sufferings, he might have led them to abandon their faith and be ruined. He is also a roaring lion—hungry, fierce, strong, and cruel—always hunting for souls.
His business is to walk about seeking whom he may devour. His whole aim is to destroy souls. For this purpose, he is constantly active, day and night, plotting how to ensnare people to their eternal ruin (1 Peter 5:8).
From this, the apostle infers that they have certain duties. They must be sober, governing both their outward behavior and inward thoughts with temperance, modesty, and self-control. They must also be vigilant—not careless or complacent, but alert to the constant danger posed by this spiritual enemy. Under that awareness, they must stay watchful and diligent to protect themselves from his schemes and preserve their souls.
They must resist him steadfast in the faith. The faith of these Christians was Satan’s primary target. If he could shake their faith and lead them to apostasy, he would achieve his goal and destroy them. To do this, he stirred up severe persecution and turned powerful rulers against them. They had to withstand this intense trial by remaining well-grounded, resolute, and firm in their faith. To strengthen them, the apostle reminds them that their struggle is not unique. They know that the same kinds of suffering are experienced by their fellow believers throughout the world (1 Peter 5:9). All God’s people are fellow soldiers in this spiritual war.
We learn from this that all major persecutions throughout history have been stirred up and directed by the devil. He is the chief persecutor, as well as the deceiver and accuser of the brethren (Genesis 3:15; Revelation 12:12). People may act as his willing instruments, but he is the true enemy waging war against Christ and his people.
Satan’s purpose in stirring up persecution is to drive faithful believers into apostasy through their sufferings, and in doing so, destroy their souls. Therefore, sobriety and watchfulness are essential virtues, especially in times of suffering and persecution. You must not become too attached to worldly things; otherwise, Satan will easily overcome you.
If you want to overcome Satan as a tempter, accuser, or persecutor, you must resist him steadfast in the faith. If your faith fails, you will fall. So, above all, take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). Also, knowing that others are enduring the same trials helps encourage us to bear our own. The same afflictions are being experienced by your brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.