B.E.W.A.R.E. of the Devil

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Some Christians are afraid of the devil because he causes much havoc in their lives and in the world around them. Yet, we are not to be afraid of Satan “for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) If we remain close to God and His word, we become more familiar of Satan’s tactics and how to deal with him. (2 Corinthians 2:9) As followers of Christ, we need to B.E.W.A.R.E. of Satan:

B – Be sober minded and watchful.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

E – Expect that Satan will tempt us as much as possible to sin against God.
“And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

W – Walk in obedience to God’s word with our whole hearts.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

A – Anticipate his ability to make evil look good and appealing.
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

R – Recognize our true enemy is the devil and not people.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

E – Engage in dealing with our anger sooner than later.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (1 Peter 4:26-27)

Our focus should always be more on God and His redeeming power than any of Satan’s tactics. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the power of the devil is broken and we will win in the end!