This is a chapter from the book The Character of Creatures: What the Animal Kingdom Teaches Us About God and His Word.
Be Watchful – The Lion
Lions are beautiful animals to watch from afar or in the
zoo. But you would not want to meet one who could get at you. One of my sons
was at a zoo and a big cat lunged into the glass to eat him! If not for that thick
layer of glass, he would have been a meal!
God created such ferocious animals to warn us:
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your
adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour. ~
1 Peter 5:8
Discussion:
1.
Lions usually do not chase the healthiest
animals; they aim for the sick, injured, and tired. Christians are a target for
Satan when we are not watching our lives or the teaching we have been given.
How can you keep a close watch on yourself? Read 1 Timothy 4:16.
2.
Peter continues the thought, “Resist him, firm
in your faith...” James adds, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”
(James 4:7). Many dangerous animals do not want to fight: if you stand your
ground and show them how big and dangerous you are, they might leave you alone.
You cannot fool Satan, but you can show him that you are firm in your faith and
submitted to God. How firm is your faith? More importantly, how firm is the one
your faith is in? Read 1 John 4:4.
3.
If you start to drift, or live carelessly, not
being sober-minded or watchful, what are some ways that the devil could sneak
up on you and devour you? Many Christians have fallen after slowly and
imperceptibly descending into sin. It is a slow fade.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. ~ Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress is Our God
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