You have an adversary.  Peter identified him as the devil (1Pet 5:8-9).  In fact, he is also referred to in the Scriptures as Satan whose very name means, “adversary.”  He was created by God, and was a “good” angel until he was puffed up with pride and rebelled against the Lord (1Tim.3:6).  Since his fall, he and the angels who followed him (now called demons) have opposed God and His people.

In this passage, Peter says the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.  As a lion can harm us physically with his teeth and claws, the devil seeks to harm us spiritually through temptation, deception, accusation and persecution.  He desires to destroy our testimony, and to weaken our faith.

We must be alert spiritually, and always watchful so that he does not take advantage of us. Peter urges us to resist him, and to be strong in the faith.  Our faith in Christ and His word must be strong so that we are able to discern the devil’s deception and overcome his temptations.  Paul said it this way, “…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).  The devil is our chief adversary, and he is ultimately responsible for the opposition and persecution we face in the world.  As we resist the devil we are to be encouraged that we are not alone.  The suffering we experience because of opposition and persecution is experienced throughout the world by our brothers and sisters in Christ.