1 Pet. v. 8, 9. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, ivalkcth about, seeking ivhom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.
THERE are many who deny the influences of the Holy Spirit. No wonder therefore if the agency of Satan be called in question. But there is abundant proof in the Scriptures that Satan exercises a power over the minds of men. St. Peter had learned this truth by bitter experience.
In this view the caution he gives us is worthy of particular attention :
I. The malice of Satan —
Satan is the great adversary of mankind. It was he who caused the fall of our first parents3. He has exerted a similar influence over all their descendants. He still maintains his enmity against the seed of the woman1'. He is justly compared to " a roaring lion."
He is subtle —
[The lion prowls with subtilty in search of prey : this is noticed in David's description of wicked menc — . Satan also uses many devices to destroy souls d. He suits his temptations to us with astonishing craft : he draws us into his snare before we are aware of his designs6. To be acquainted with his devices is a most eminent and useful part of Christian know- ledge1.]
He is active —
[The lion ranges far and wide in search of his prey ; and Satan " walks to and fro throughout the earthg:" he ceases not from his exertions day or nighth. He is the more diligent as knowing that his time is limited '. He has legions of emissaries acting in concert with himk. If at any time he suspend his
a Gen. iii. I — 5. b Gen. iii. 15. * Ps. x. 9, 10.
<s Eph. vi. 11. e 2 Cor. ii. 11. f 2 Cor. ii. 11.
R Job i. 7. and the text. h Rev. xii. 10.
' Rev. xii. 12. k Mark v. 9.