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. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:8-10)
It will not be long before a person who has come to know Jesus Christ, understands that he has an enemy, and that enemy is the devil. The spiritual veil of deception that covered our spiritual eyes, mind and heart has been removed by the Spirit of the living God. That is how it was for me when I was born again back in 1989 and I came to know the REAL Jesus Christ. Jesus became more than a little “goo-goo baby” being held in the arms of Mary. Jesus became more than a Jewish man, in a pastel-colored painting walking the shores of Galilee. I came to know the REAL Jesus because the truth set me free. [John 8:32]
In this passage Peter told us that the devil was like a lion, seeking to devour us as Christians.
The Greek word for devour is the word KATAPINO which is defined as follows:
To drink down, gulp entire, devour, drown, swallow (up).
The devil is an enemy who does not play paddy cakes with people. The devil plays for keeps, and he absolutely hates the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is aware of those who truly know Christ, and those who do not. I have watched many animal documentaries, and I have seen where the lion or mountain cat will stalk their victims without being seen. The lion or mountain cat will walk slowly, with their bodies pressed as low to the ground as possible, until they feel they are close enough to pounce on their unsuspecting victim. I must admit that it is difficult to watch those animal documentaries. I see the helpless young prey as they are about to be tackled, strangled, and devoured by the lion or mountain cat. How much more should we be concerned for the welfare of the souls of men, who are in the crosshairs of the devil without realizing it.
We must never forget that we are in a SPIRITUAL WAR and therefore our weapons are also spiritual. The well-known passage of scripture from Ephesians 6:10-19 gives us the exhortation to be strong in the LORD and IN the power of HIS might. The passage also encourages us to put on the WHOLE armour of God [not just certain parts] so that we will be able to STAND against the wiles [methods] of the devil.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-19)