8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:8 – 10)
As Christians, every day we have the tremendous opportunity to demonstrate spiritual victory through the power of God in our lives. The enemy is on the prowl and we must be ready for the battle. In this war, neutrality is not a Biblically proposed option. People around us are crying out for evidence of victorious living, and if we are obedient to God’s word, we can demonstrate who is really victorious (God) and who is vanquished (Satan). A victorious Christian is a potent witness to A World in Need.
Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the following question.
Question
The admonition to “Be alert” in verse 8 above comes from a Greek phrase that means “with the waist of your mind being girded.” This speaks to being prepared. Why is this so important in Spiritual Warfare?
March 6, 2020 at 11:20 am
You have to be aware, in order to fight effectively. If you’re taken off guard, you might not have the appropriate response to when you’re faced with spiritual conflict.
Song recommendation that I think goes perfectly with this passage – “See a Victory” Elevation Worship
March 6, 2020 at 11:42 am
Never heard this song but yes, very applicable. Thanks for sharing
March 6, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Just like operating a vehicle or machinery that could potentially do harm, we’re always advised to be alert or clear minded. Spiritual warfare has the ability to do harm to us. I just thought as I wrote that sentence that we can be alert and clear minded but if we have no knowledge of how to operate the car or machinery, never read the manual or gotten lessons it won’t matter if you are alert or clear minded.
So a part of our preparation for spiritual warfare is to acquaint ourselves with what God says it is and what his prescription for it is, then with alert and clear minds we shouldn’t be blindsided.
March 6, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Preparation is essential for success in everything we do, including the Christian life. As the saying goes, if we fail to prepare, then prepare to fail. This includes our spiritual life. The consequence of failing, not only affect us, but also onlookers who are also searching to have a relationship with the God we serve. Our failures will certainly introduce doubt in the God we serve by onlookers. The world will benefit, if we are victorious in our spiritual walk.
March 6, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Great response that really help me think.
Keep your armour on.
Can’t walk alone on a lonely street at night without being aware of what could lurk behind you.
March 6, 2020 at 2:57 pm
Preparedness and knowledge of the strategy – schemes- of one’s enemy is key to winning a battle. Taking counsel from others who have conquered that enemy in the past is also crucial. As Believers we must be prepared using the victory proven tools we have. Knowledge of the instructions documented in Scripture is key. Practiced preparedness will lead us to victory.
March 6, 2020 at 4:29 pm
In spiritual warfare it’s necessary to be alert as it may be difficult to recognize when we are being attacked by satanic forces. There can be a lot of subtle deception. We cannot fight on our own and need spiritual armour.
We therefore need to be always ready, standing firm in the Lord and in His mighty power.
As satanic forces are always around us we need to daily put on and reinforce God’s spiritual armour; always be spiritually dressed.
March 6, 2020 at 5:27 pm
I find this subject in a sense hard to grasp. I feel like my perspective is limited.As others have said be alert because the forces are sometimes subtle and you can easily fall prey to sin while justifying your motives. The human heart is very deceptive. That’s why we must be vigilant and prepared putting on the armor of God everyday so we can be equipped to do battle with the forces that seek to destroy us (Ephesians 6:10-18). Even when you fall, take heart – the Bible tells us, though the righteous man falls seven times, he will get up (Proverbs 24:16).
March 6, 2020 at 11:58 pm
Yes, being alert and ready anytime to counter Satan’s scheme is vital to our battle in spiritual warfare. We have to equip ourselves with God’s word and put His whole armor everyday. Prayer and fellowship with believers are so important. It weakens the enemy’s ability to attack because we are well guarded as we rebuke the bad spirit in Jesus’s name. Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit is with us and will not leave us.
March 7, 2020 at 12:48 pm
There are so many changes going on around us in our world that are becoming acceptable/the norm, even though the Bible clearly states they are not of God. There are even places in the Bible that have predicted that some of these behaviors will occur. If we are not alert and aware, we might be tempted to join the majority in an effort to be like everyone else, or give in to those who say, “This is just how the world is now. These lifestyles (homosexuality and homosexual marriages) and choices (abortion) are the norm.”
God’s Word will never be “old-fashioned” or “outdated”. I’ve actually heard those descriptions of the Bible. As more and more people believe this, we have to definitely be alert and prepared to inform and educate in a Christ-like manner, or stand alone in our belief, if that’s what it takes.