Sober and Vigilant

The Bible says we must be sober - “Be free from the influence of intoxicants” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). An intoxicant is “an intoxicating agent, as alcoholic liquor or certain drugs” (dictionary.com).

We must be vigilant - “Metaphor: to watch i.e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active: - lest one fall into sin” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon).

Our adversary is the devil, also known as the Prosecutor, “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10).

A lion roars when he finds a victim. (Amos 3:4 NLT) The devil, as a roaring lion, walks about looking for victims.

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, God has given us power over sin. If we allow Him, He will set us free from the habits and addictions of intoxicants, and gives us the power to stay off them. We become witnesses of the power of Jesus in our life.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

With the Holy Ghost within, Jesus opens our eyes and directs our paths so we won’t fall into sin. (Romans 8:13-14)

Jesus is the Comforter, the Holy Ghost within us. He is our Advocate and Defense Attorney. (John 14:16-18). When we have been baptized “IN JESUS NAME” the blood of Jesus has washed away our sins. (Revelation 1:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Acts 22:16). Jesus pleads His blood upon us when satan the Prosecutor accuses us of sin in our life.

When we have repented of our sins, been baptized in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit, we have purposed to completely turn our back on sin. If we stumble and sin, we still have hope. We ask Jesus to forgive us and we start out fresh, with even greater determination to not sin. (1 John 2:1)

We have submitted our life to Jesus when we obey His gospel (Acts 2:38). When we resist the devil, he will flee. (James 4:7)

We shouldn’t think it strange that we have fiery trials. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Our brothers and sisters throughout the world go through this just like we do.

"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." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

It is by trials and temptations that we all are perfected, maturing in Christ, strengthened, standing firm and steadfast in Jesus.

"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 5:10