RESIST THE DEVIL!

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

We, as believers, are called upon not only to contend with an evil heart and an evil world, but also with evil spirits. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” These adversaries are banded together under one head – Satan. In speaking of the devil, we must include all his emissaries

It's important to know your enemy. It's a mistake to underrate the importance of an enemy. Therefore, let's form a right assessment of our foe.

Satan can inflame the mind and the evil desire of the soul. His power is enormous but is limited by the totality of the power of our God! Satan is described as continually “walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He's extremely diligent. If he fails a hundred times, he only tries again. Satan envies every human happiness and seeks to undermine it. He can't stand for you to be happy. He's miserable and wants to spread his misery. Satan is crafty and subtle

He is a hidden assassin rather than an open foe. He rarely attacks head on in the open. Satan has long studied human nature so he is very adept at deceiving mankind

We are called upon to resist rather than fight the devil. We are not to talk with him as a friend or compromise with him, but rather we are to resist him at every turn. We are not to give him a foothold in any way. Our General Orders come from 1 Peter 5:8: Be sober (sharp, alert) both physically and mentally. Be vigilant (keep awake; never off your guard). Be united – stand shoulder to shoulder with your allies .

Tried Weapons we are to use are the Word of God, past experience and earnest prayer. When Satan tries to tell you how little God will do for you, remind him how much God has already done for you. Allow God to become engaged in the conflict with you I like what 1 Sam 17:47 tells us “For the battle is the LORD'S”.

In addition to the Word of God, past experience and earnest prayer, we have Impenetrable Armor provided by God, Himself (Eph 6:10-18). We have the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness to spread the Good News, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. We are equipped!

The Word says once we resist him “he will flee from you” This may not happen at first for there must be real resistance to his power. Keep in mind in this life, the flight is temporary. He leaves only to return. Each time we engage Satan and resist him equips us more to stand fast the next time. In the future there will be a final flight. Satan will flee never to return

The Christian life is a life of conflict with Satan

We must endure hardness if we are to be victorious

2 Tim 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”

A Christian's life is a blessed one for even in the midst of the conflicts we face there is a rest in God

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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