Topical Bible: The Devil: Compared to a Roaring Lion

◄ The Devil: Compared to a Roaring Lion ►

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In the Christian Scriptures, the devil is often depicted as a formidable adversary, seeking to lead believers astray and undermine the work of God. One of the most vivid metaphors used to describe the devil is that of a "roaring lion." This imagery is found in 1 Peter 5:8, which warns believers to be vigilant: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" .

Context and Meaning

The comparison of the devil to a roaring lion serves to emphasize his predatory nature and the danger he poses to the unwary. In the ancient world, lions were among the most feared predators, known for their strength, stealth, and ferocity. By likening the devil to a lion, the apostle Peter underscores the seriousness of the threat he represents. The devil is not a passive or distant enemy; he is actively seeking to harm and destroy.

The Nature of the Devil's Prowling

The devil's prowling is characterized by deception and temptation. Throughout Scripture, he is portrayed as a deceiver, one who twists the truth and entices individuals into sin. In Genesis 3, the serpent, identified with the devil, deceives Eve by questioning God's command and suggesting that disobedience would lead to enlightenment. Similarly, in the New Testament, the devil attempts to tempt Jesus in the wilderness by distorting Scripture and offering worldly power (Matthew 4:1-11).

The Call to Vigilance

The metaphor of the roaring lion serves as a call to vigilance for believers. The apostle Peter's exhortation to be "sober-minded and alert" suggests that spiritual awareness and self-control are essential defenses against the devil's schemes. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, resist temptation, and rely on the power of God to overcome the adversary.

Spiritual Armor and Resistance

Ephesians 6:11-12 further elaborates on the believer's defense against the devil: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . The spiritual armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all of which equip believers to withstand the devil's attacks.

The Devil's Limitations

While the devil is a powerful adversary, Scripture also affirms his limitations. He is a created being, subject to the sovereignty of God. In the book of Job, the devil's ability to afflict Job is constrained by God's permission (Job 1:12). Moreover, James 4:7 provides assurance that resistance to the devil will lead to his retreat: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" .

Conclusion

The depiction of the devil as a roaring lion serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle that believers face. It calls for vigilance, reliance on God's strength, and the use of spiritual armor to stand firm against the adversary's schemes. Through faith and obedience, believers can resist the devil and remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Snare of the Fowler
... The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman ... Men are here compared to silly,
weak birds, that have ... not now attack us as the roaring lion, roaring against us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Peace
... Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which ... the fury of temptation, though
the devil cannot destroy us ... of peace; he beats back the roaring lion; he stills ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... I should best like to meet
his roaring majesty in ... it proves that you are under the power of the devil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... "Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about ... "Neither give place
to the devil.". The heart is very properly compared to a castle or fort. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

Temptations.
... Hence his temptations are compared to the roaring of a lion ... For as the lion by roaring
killeth the heart of his ... as if he was changed into the nature of a devil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xv temptations.htm

Letter xiv. To Heliodorus, Monk.
... "Our adversary as a roaring lion walketh about ... The coast is savage, and the devil
with a crew of ... of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xiv to heliodorus monk.htm

Acts xv. 1
... He (the Devil) from being incorporeal became a ... saith, "Our adversary, as a roaring
lion, walketh about ... council at Jerusalem should be compared Paul's (Galatians ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxii acts xv 1.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... Therefore "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about ... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... likened to a mustard-seed: it is compared also to ... sir, are ye so privy of the devil's
counsel, that ... devoret: "He goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The Wrath of God
... wrath of God is hot, therefore it is compared to fire ... says, The king's wrath is as
the roaring of a ... Better want the devil's honey than be stung with the wrath ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm