Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

VIGILANT: AN IMPORTANT BIBLE “BE”

From the writings of the beloved apostle Peter, comes this underscored admonition to all of God’s people throughout the age: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” I Peter 5:8. But, in the view of modern, twenty-first century enlightenment, one may question the need for such ancient warnings, so think with me about it for a minute. What is this verse saying?

To be vigilant is to be extremely alert and watchful for any snare that would spoil the most important asset one has: his influence. Satan knows, perhaps better than any mortal that he cannot damn the born-again spirit of man, but he also knows just as well that he can negate the influence of a person’s life so that it has a significantly diminished impact on others.

Thus does the striking admonition come to us metaphorically as a roaring, devouring lion. That lion is the same lion inhabiting the folk who yelled “crucify Him” with reference to Jesus standing before Pilate. It is the same lion that entered Judas to betray the Lord. It is the same lion who came to Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent, and who is responsible for every form of evil, and delusion in the lives of people today. Thus does the apostle appropriately warn. Moreover, Paul put it plainly to the church at Corinth, and to us all in 2 Cor. 11:13-15 that the emissaries of Satan appear as ministers of righteousness even as Satan himself appears as an angel of light.

So, how is one to know! Be vigilant! But what will enable one to be so vigilant? Familiarity with the eternal Word of God. Here then is the catch!

Satan appeals to the reasoning of mankind, who does not take into account that sin has already monkeyed with his mental faculties. Thus, with one reasoning, and judging what is good and moral from only the repository of his own experience or even that of another man, will find himself far afield from the truth of the inerrant, plenary Word of the Creator. The Bible word for this is not vigilance, but “iniquity.”

Men would do well to acquaint themselves with the Word on a firsthand basis. One of Jesus’ most focused and forceful warnings is “And what I say unto you I say unto all,Watch.” Mark 13:37. Watchfulness, then is the insurance of safety. Vigilance: what an important Bible “Be!”

FOR THOUGHT: Spiritual vigilance is only as keen as one’s spiritual knowledge. Does this not underscore the importance of acquiring deeper bible knowledge? Do you think acceptable service to God depends upon certain knowledge that it may be done correctly? What is the danger of vigilance from a human perspective apart from God?