The Adversary
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV
Satan, the devil, is a powerful angel who led a rebellion in heaven against God. God put down the rebellion and sentenced Satan and his rebellious angels to eternal punishment in the lake of fire – hell. For this present age the devil is permitted limited freedom in the universe to accomplish God’s ultimate purposes.
The devil is a created being and as such his power is no match for his Creator’s. All children of God have access to God’s power and thus have power over Satan and evil spirits. We are not to fear our enemy, rather respect him, for we have victory over him through our union with Christ.
- Satan is out to destroy mankind. What do the following passages say about the devil? — Genesis 3:1-20; Job 1:6-12; Revelation 20:7-10
- The devil is a defeated foe who we need not fear. What is said in the following passages about our struggle with him? — Hebrews 2:14-18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Question to ponder: How do you see Satan working in your life to keep you from leading well for Christ?
Passages for further reflection: Ephesians 4:26-27; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 
Thank you for this leading, Tom. I recently spent extended time in this passage and its other bookend in 1P4.7 where Peter wrote to “be self controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers.” I felt led to consider Peter… would he have considered himself “sober minded” when he “began to rebuke (Jesus) saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord, This shall never happen to you'”? (Matt 16.22) My own conclusion was, at the time he said it, he thought he was highly sober minded. The warning to me: don’t rely on or be “drunk” with my own “good ideas” that are maybe earthly smart but heavenly foolish… else I too hear “get behind me Satan!”
Great thoughts, Darrell. Sometimes our good ideas or good intentions run counter to the plans and will of God.
I have a friend who’s got a bumper sticker which summarizes the dichotomy – My way or Yahweh!