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 3 of 15

ONE OR THE OTHER--RESIST THE DEVIL OR THE LORD

Facing a hardhearted people who were intent upon rejecting the Gospel of Christ, Stephen cried out, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51). Paul also mentioned people, who like those Egyptians opposing Moses, resisted the truth. "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also RESIST THE TRUTH: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Tim 3:8 ). There is such a thing as being spiritually obstinate. It is possible to reject the very blessing that is being offered. If this were not the case, the words in the above texts would have no meaning at all.

Those who DO NOT resist the devil DO resist God! It is vital to see this as we embark upon this subject. Ultimately, we are faced to two opposing influences: God and Satan. Both appeal to our wills. Both offer strong incentives. Both are aggressive. But both DO NOT seek our advantage. God seeks to bless, while Satan seeks to curse. God seeks to lift us up, while Satan seeks to pull us down. God confronts us with the truth, while Satan confronts us with the lie. God's objective is to save, while Satan's is to destroy.

We cannot yield to God and Satan simultaneously. Neither can you reject both of them simultaneously. One must be honored, and the other dishonored. Furthermore, one cannot avoid making a decision because both God and Satan are relentless in their pursuit.

Because the Lord and the devil are mutually antithetical, you must resist one to accept the other. While men DO have a free will, it is NOT so free that they can ignore the appeals of both God and Satan. Because man is created, and because he is in the image of God, but is not God, he must yield to God or Satan. What is more, one cannot make a wrong choice without experiencing the consequences of that choice. Neither, indeed, can one make the right choice without experiencing the blessing of God.

In the text just provided, men resisted the Holy Spirit and the truth of God because they DID NOT resist the devil. It is just that simple! What will you do?

PRAYER POINT: Father, I know by experience that I am subject to contradicting influences. You know my heart -- that I desire You and Your blessing. In Jesus name, strengthen my will so I may resist the devil and yield to You.

-- TOMORROW: THE SOLEMN COMMISSION -- RESIST THE DEVIL --