Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

   Imaginative artists from all corners of the world have various ways of presenting to the populace how the devil looks like. Some cartoonists portray him as funny character while some present him as hideous evil and serious person with a purpose to destroy mankind. Certainly, we do not know how Satan really looks like, but we believe his real existence and his deceitfulness.        

   The Bible plainly tells us of the reality of the devil, and at the same time, warns us of his crafty attack against believers. In I Peter 5:8, it says, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) These verses describe the threatening activity of the lion-like devourer which could attack anyone at any time.

   The Apostle Peter mentioned in his epistle about our adversary, which is the devil, while Apostle John wrote in I John 2:1-2 about our Advocate, which is our Lord Jesus Christ. It is so interesting because both of them used words that could widen our understanding concerning our accuser, and our Intercessor and Comforter, which is the Lord. The word “Adversary” literally means an opponent in a court of justice, while the word “Advocate” refers to a petitioner who is pleading for someone on the ground of justice. What a blessing for believers to have an advocate every time we are accused by our adversary.

   As we go deeper on our study about the lion-like devourer, it is best to take note how our adversary entices, manipulates and attacks people so we may not remain ignorant concerning spiritual warfare, but be prepared anywhere and anytime he attacks us. The Bible warns us that our adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion that walks around looking for a prey. Be watchful - don’t be a victim, but be a victor in Christ.           

I Peter 5:8   (Daniel 6:24)

   Don’t ever underestimate the power of the devil. Our own strength is never enough to resist him. We need to humble and submit first our lives to God before we could resist and fight victoriously over him.

   In James 4:7, it says, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV) Outside the center of God’s will, we cannot resist and overcome our adversary. We must acknowledge our weaknesses before God and humbly pray to Him for wisdom, strength and protection so we could withstand the attacks of the devil and display the power of God through our lives, especially in times of temptations.            

   We strongly believe that behind those threatening events in Daniel’s days were the workings of the adversary, the devil. The devil tried to use people and even lions to destroy him, but God preserved his life because of his unquestionable faith in the Living God.

   As the world is getting worse, true Christians must stand firmly for the Truth and be ready to fight a good fight against the enemies of God especially the devil – the lion-like devourer. We are in need of “Daniel-like believers” in our time.

-A man of firm and godly

 conviction

-A man of wisdom

  Daniel 1:17    Daniel 5:14

-A man of faith

-A man of prayer

   Knowing that perilous time is coming, true Christians must stand firm and rely on the promises of God. Our time in this present life is so short and the Lord will come at the least expected moment. It is then wise for us to keep on praying and watching so we may not be caught unaware the moment the devil attacks us with his final and destructive assault.