How is the devil like a lion (1 Peter 5:8)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Some Christians fear the Devil, while others ignore him or underestimate his power. In 1 Peter 5:8–11, the apostle Peter urges believers to know their enemy and understand what he is like. As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle, and it is crucial not to misjudge Satan’s power or be ignorant of his schemes. Peter writes, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8–9). The Devil is still actively roaming and roaring throughout this earth like a lion. He is powerful and ferocious. But those who put their faith in Jesus Christ have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Jesus gave His life to free us from Satan’s dominion (Titus 2:14). Christ disarmed the Devil through His victory on the cross (Colossians 2:15). In the end, God will crush the Devil under our feet (Romans 16:20). Until then, we stand firm against the Devil in the victorious name of Jesus, with the Word of God and by persisting in prayer.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Lions are a recurring symbol in the Bible, often representing strength and courage (Proverbs 28:1; see also Revelation 5:5).
• In the Psalms enemies are depicted as crouching in cover and lying in wait “like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver” (Psalm 7:2; see also Psalm 10:9–10; 17:12; 22:13–21; 35:17; 58:6). The Devil is like a lion in that he is dangerous.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In 1 Peter 5:8, the Devil is likened to a lion. This comparison serves as a warning, revealing critical aspects of the Devil’s nature as he roars and prowls, seeking to destroy. First-century believers familiar with the bloody spectacle of death in the Roman Colosseum would understand the deadly threat of lions.
• The Devil is like a lion in that he prowls this world. Ephesians 2:2 describes him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.”
• Jesus calls him “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; see also John 14:30; 16:11). The Devil lives on this earth and roams around from place to place. In this fallen world, believers reside in enemy-occupied territory. We must be vigilant, knowing an attack could occur at any moment.
• Scripture reveals that the Devil is a great pretender (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15). Although he roars like a lion, seeking to claim his territory, boast of his power, and terrify his prey, God’s Word silences him. The child of God who knows the Word of Truth (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) and has the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 16:13; 1 John 4:6) inside cannot be harmed by Satan’s roar (Romans 8:37; 1 John 2:13–14).
• Jesus came to destroy the Devil’s power (1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14–15). As believers in Jesus, God is on our side, and no enemy can prevail against us (Romans 8:31–33).
• We resist the Devil with the Word of God in the same way Jesus did (Matthew 4:1–11), and we stay alert by persisting in prayer (Ephesians 6:17–18).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Believers must recognize and respect that the Devil is a dangerous and formidable adversary. He is sly as a serpent (Genesis 3:1–5), The Devil sneaks up on us when we least expect it (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; 20:2–3). The Devil is a destroyer (Revelation 9:11) and an accuser (Job 1:8–11; Zechariah 3:1–2; Revelation 12:10). He is cunning (2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 6:11), intelligent, and powerful (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 13:13–14).

For this reason, Peter says, “Resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). God has not left us defenseless. He has given us spiritual armor– the whole armor of God– to wear as believers. This armor is God’s powerful protection, shielding us against the Devil’s schemes and enabling us to stand our ground when the Devil comes at us like a lion (see Ephesians 6:10–24). We can take up the shield of faith and trust in God in all circumstances to extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). We don’t have to be afraid of the Devil when we are wearing God’s armor. Instead, we do as James says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

UNDERSTAND

• Like a lion, the Devil actively seeks to devour and destroy believers.
• The Devil roars to instill fear and intimidate believers.
• Satan’s objective is to deceive and devour, but faith in Jesus enables us to resist him.

REFLECT

• How do you recognize the Devil's attempts to intimidate or deceive you?
• How can you deepen your understanding of spiritual warfare and equip yourself with God’s Word?
• How does the promise of victory through Jesus impact your confidence in resisting the Devil's attacks?

ENGAGE

• What specific strategies does Scripture provide for standing firm against the Devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:10–18)?
• How does understanding the nature of the Devil as a roaring lion influence our approach to spiritual growth and community support?
• How can believers collectively support each other in resisting spiritual attacks, reflecting the unity mentioned in 1 Peter 5:9?