RESISTING THE DEVIL

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Pet 5:8-9).

Devotion 1 of 15

INTRODUCTION

One of the paradoxes of the faith life is this: we enjoy safety though we are daily confronted with jeopardy. While we are protected by a great God, we are threatened by a fierce and crafty adversary. The reason for the jeopardy is not any failure of our Lord. Nor, indeed, is it due to the overpowering influence of our enemy. It is because we are living by faith, which is our only link to God and His power. When our persuasion of eternal things is unwavering, we are safe. However, when our faith grows weak and begins to diminish, we lose our hold on eternal life. Little wonder it is written, "fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life" (1 Tim 6:12).

Satan seeks to destroy our faith. Employing unparalleled subtlety, he seeks to draw the attention of the redeemed to "the things that are seen." He knows if he can get our attention, we will lose our focus, and thus fall into sin. When, therefore, we speak about resisting the devil, we are speaking about maintaining our life in Christ. This is involved in making our calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10). Mark it well, our spiritual life is NOT maintained by our effort alone. Neither, indeed, is it maintained independently of our effort.

The word translated "resist" is a large one, implying intense energy. It means to stand against, i.e., oppose, resist, or withstand. Resistance involves infinitely more than a casual turn of the head. You cannot "resist the devil" by simply ignoring him. Nor can you resist the devil by shouting a magical epithet that will case him to shrink back from you in terror. Resisting the devil is not that simple. There is aggression in the word: i.e., "oppose." Strong determination is also present: i.e., "withstand." The element of determination is evident: i.e., stand against."

Resistance assumes the militancy of our "adversary, the devil." He is not casual in his opposition to believers. Aggressiveness and subtle strategy characterize all of his efforts against the "saints of the most high God." Because of this situation, resistance cannot be seasonal or cyclical. It must be consistent, or it will not be ineffective.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You, in Jesus' name, for alerting me to the aggressive subtlety of the devil. Grant me a vigilant spirit to resist him at all times.

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