A ROARING LION

The word 'LION' is often used in Scripture to symbolize strength, majesty, and courage. But it can also refer to a menacing predator. 'A roaring lion' is the term used to characterize Satan's implacable wrath toward the followers of Christ ... 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Breaking down this verse ...

'Sober' ... a state of mind in which one is able to see things without the distortion created by anxiety or fear. It is the 'level-headedness' that evaluates things calmly and correctly.

'Vigilant' ... the ability to recognize and avoid danger; to be spiritually awake and alert, as opposed to being spiritually indifferent and listless.

'Roaring lion' ... the 'roar' is a weapon of intimidation. What the Devil cannot accomplish through temptation he seeks to achieve through fear and dread. In nature, a lion runs down the weakest in a herd of antelope. 'Weak Christians' can also fall prey, keeping them from moving forward in their walk of faith.

'Seeking' ...  the adversary's "search and destroy" mission is constant. He is always looking for an opportunity to sow discord, undermine confidence, and get believers to stop serving God.

'Devour' ... Spurgeon states that 'Satan can never be content till he sees the believer devoured. He would rend him in pieces, break his bones, and utterly destroy him if he could. Do not, therefore, indulge the thought that the main purpose of Satan is to make you miserable. He is pleased with that, but it is not his ultimate goal. Sometimes he may even make you happy, for he hath dainty poisons sweet to the taste which he administers to God’s people. If he feels that our destruction can be more readily achieved by sweets than by bitters, he certainly would prefer that which would best affect his end.' 

Outside of an intimate relationship with Christ, we are defenseless against Satan's divisive attacks. But when we abide in the Rock of our Salvation we can experience an everyday, moment-by-moment victorious life; because ... 

Jesus is the Triumphant 'Lion of the tribe of Judah'.