1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Introductory Thoughts
A sleeping enemy is generally easiest to overcome. The Devil is no stronger today than he was in the early days of the church, yet he seemingly works with a much greater success rate in these last days. Something has changed and it is not the Devil, or the Lord, so it must be believers. Men have lost their sobriety. They seem so busy playing games, sleeping, or murmuring to notice that the enemy is on the prowl. This lack of sobriety has caused great harm. Fewer souls are being saved, believers have little to no desire to live holy, and even fewer know enough Bible to keep from being deceived. Believers cannot fight the Devil while sleeping or distracted. A good fight requires sobriety!
Devotional Thoughts
- (For children): Read Judges 7:2-7. God decreased Gideon’s army so that only God could get the glory when Israel defeated the Midianites. Yet, we should pay attention to the type of men God chose—those chosen were watchful and sober.
- (For everyone): When would you think would be the best time to attempt to break into a house? Why would you choose such circumstances? How is this like the Devil’s efforts in destroying you?
- Are you sleeping on the Lord? Are you preoccupied by things that really do not count for anything in eternity? Are you willing to repent, wake up, and serve the Lord with the type of sobriety that glorifies God?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you see your present condition.
- Ask the Lord to help you live soberly for Him.
SONG: WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
Quotes from the next volume
(VOLUME 4, WEEK 43)
Subject: Stealing (con’t)
A saved man, though previously a thief, will labour so that he may have to give to others. Only the power of the gospel can take a thief and make him charitable. What an amazing transformation!
It is a life-threatening matter when a man steals glory belonging only to the Lord and accepts it for himself (Acts 12:21-23).