THREE
WATCH AND BE SOBER
Before we discuss the posture of standing, we’ll consider a related principle summed up by the phrase “watch and be sober,”
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess. 5:5-6:
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7-8
Both verses define the word sober as: to think clearly. To be sensible and lucid. Not inebriated or affected by intoxicants.
The significance of watch is: To be on the lookout for danger or threats of any kind—never sleepy, nonchalant, or lackadaisical.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8
Here, the Apostle Peter warns of being devoured unless we are vigilant. The verse does not say the devil IS a lion, but he is AS a lion! The devil is only a loudmouth, and he roars to intimidate and cause you to quake in your boots and panic. Then doubt and unbelief take over, and you lose.
Truth be known, he is a pathetic loser who can only pounce on the weak and fearful. Notice it says, seeking whom he may devour. He cannot devour just because he wants to. NO sir! He can only devour whom he may intimidate and frighten. The opposite of fear is faith, and faith is the shield that quenches all the fiery arrows of the enemy.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…. James 4:7-8
He raised us from the dead and we sit with Jesus far above principalities and powers (Eph. 1:20,21).
If you are far above, then logically that puts the devil far below. He has no place or authority and will never defeat you unless you, like Adam, surrender your authority to him.
Another verse which confirms satan’s defeat is in Genesis chapter three where God curses the serpent because he deceived Adam and Eve:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.
The crucifixion of Jesus occurred at a place called, in the Hebrew language, Golgotha, and in Greek, Calvary. The word means “the place of the skull.” Satan bruised Jesus’ heel by running spikes through his hands and feet (through his heel). But what irony! Jesus did in fact crush the head of the serpent at Calvary, the place of the skull.
We often use the word “head” to show authority. “Who is the head of the committee?” Or we use the term to signify the lead role, such as, head waiter, head of state, or head teacher at a school. The devil was our headmaster at one time, but never again. Jesus is Lord! He is the head of the church.
If you remain sober and watchful, Satan cannot trick or deceive you. Remember, he has been around a long time and is not a pushover. He will take full advantage of the weak and fearful believer. If you’re afraid of the devil he will control you, but when you bind him over your affairs and family, he loses every, single, time.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15
The following is commentary on this verse from Albert Barnes:
And having spoiled – Plundered as a victorious army does a conquered country. The terms used in this verse are all military, and the idea is, that Christ has completely subdued our enemies by his death (and resurrection). A complete victory was achieved by his death, so that every thing is now in subjection to him, and we have nothing to fear.
Principalities and powers – The “principalities and powers” here referred to, are the formidable enemies that had held man in subjection, and prevented his serving God. There can be no doubt, I think, that the apostle refers to the ranks of fallen, evil spirits which had usurped a dominion over the world. Albert Barnes, (1798-1870) Theologian
Just before he ascended to heaven, Jesus declared to his disciples:
… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:18-19
Jesus declares that HE and HE alone possesses the authority and rule over all principalities, powers, and dominions. He then gives His power and authority to the disciples and commands them to evangelize, using his authority and his name to reconcile mankind back to God.
Here are a few more verses to confirm Satan’s’ defeat
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17.
Forgive and Forget the Past
The devil will focus on your past sins and lifestyle and do his best to get you to return to it. I remember a few months after being born again, I went to visit a friend at his place.
This was someone who had witnessed to me and contributed to my salvation. He truly influenced me to receive Christ.
He had a few of his friends there at the apartment. While we were talking one of them lit a joint (marijuana cigarette) and began passing it around. It stunned me. This man who shared his testimony and encouraged me to receive Christ was back to smoking dope and had no misgivings about it.
I think he said something to the effect of, “Oh it’s ok to smoke a little, the Bible says, “All things are permissible… in moderation.”
Really? That is what it says? In my heart of hearts, I knew that if I took a puff, it would be curtains for me and my fellowship with the Lord would fracture.
They passed the joint around the room and it came to me. I must tell you this was a serious temptation, because smoking cigarettes and dope had been a major part of my former lifestyle.
At that moment I realized this temptation was nothing more than the devil prodding me, and if I gave in, I would most likely backslide into my former bad habits from which God delivered me.
I stood up quickly, said my goodbyes, and left. I never went back, and I smoked nothing ever again. As difficult as it was, I stood my ground and used the power of the Holy Ghost to say no!
The man I visited was slowly backsliding into his former lifestyle. In time he became a bum of sorts, and at the end, as he was hopping aboard a freight train, he fell between a couple of boxcars and his arms were cut off as the train ran over him. He later died.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:7
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
Thus, we must be watchful and sober minded, or we may give in to temptations and be snared by the adversary.
The devil is out for blood — your blood!