In 1 Peter 5:8 the Devil is described as a roaring lion who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”  The Devil is said to roar (howl as a hungry beast) in pursuit of us. Because of this reality we are told to be sober and vigilant (keep awake, watch).

God and the Devil communicate and influence mankind in a similar way. God communicates and influences mankind by His written Word preached by faithful men (Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21), and the Devil communicates and influences mankind by the “rudiments of the world” taught by unholy men (Col. 2:8). The Devil influences us by the permissive teachings of the world promoted by false teachers (1 John 2:15-17).  He may be found in all that is unrighteous and that perverts the right ways of the Lord (Acts 13:10).  This may occur either inside or outside of the Church (Acts 20:29-30).

We must be aware of false doctrine and resist the Devil.  This can only be done in the faith (Eph. 6:11-17). Are we studying to “know the right ways of the Lord” and thereby strengthening our faith (Rom. 10:17)?  This is critical to being a steadfast Christian.