1 Peter 5:8-9

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Verse eight — In the words “be sober” sobriety of mind is enjoined. “Be mentally self-controlled,” is the idea. The words “be vigilant” in the Greek present the idea of “be awake and watchful.” The word “adversary” is the translation of a word used of an opponent in a lawsuit. The word “devil” is the word use din the English translation for diabolos which comes from a word diaballo which means literally, “to throw over or across, to send over.” It was used in classical Greek with the meanings, “to traduce, calumniate, slander, accuse, defame,” and was used not only of those who brig a false charge against one, but also of those who disseminate the truth concerning a man and do so maliciously, insidiously, with hostility. — Wuest, page 129.

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Verse nine — The Greek word translated “resist” means “to withstand, to be firm against someone else’s onset” rather than “to strive against that one.” … While the Christian cannot take the offensive against Satan, yet he can stand his ground in the face of his attacks. — Wuest, page 130.

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While Satan is a formidable foe as a roaring lion … [he] is the most dangerous when he appears as an angel of light … (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). — Sadler, page 169.