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 13 of 15

ARM YOURSELVES

"Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph 6:11- 17).

Resisting the devil requires deliberate action on your part. You must not rely upon some sort of kingdom automation to keep you safe. Resistance of the devil requires wholehearted involvement on your part. Remember that you are not confronting brute strength in Satan, but crafty stratagems. Successful resistance requires the involvement of your mind and heart. Your strategy must not be soulish, but spiritually rational. As you live by faith, you are engaged in a sustained effort to neutralize the attacks of a hierarchy of wicked spirits.

Your resistance of his attacks requires the "whole amour of God." You cannot pick and choose, but must put everything on that His grace has supplied. Your objective is to "stand"--not to lose ground or draw back. That means it is serious beyond imagination to lose ground! You must "withstand in the evil day," i.e., the day of Satanic assault. Your standing, or resistance demands that you do "all." No halfhearted effort is acceptable here.

Gospel truth must encompass everything we do: "having your loins girt about with truth." It is imperative that we have God's perspective, and that we heartily embrace the "record" He has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-12). His word is what holds everything else in place.

A lively sense of our justification must also attend our effort: "having on the breastplate of righteousness." If we do not know we have been forgiven of "all trespasses" (Col 2:13), and that we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6), we cannot successfully resist the devil!

If we are to stand against the wiles of the devil, or resist him, the Gospel of peace must work effectively within us. Having our feet "shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace" describes the stability of life that results from believing the Gospel. This is standing firm because we have seen the implications of the Gospel of Christ.

Faith plays the most prominent role in the resistance of Satan: "above all, taking the shield of faith." Those who live by faith are convinced of the subtlety of Satan. They are more convinced of the wisdom of God. They are persuaded the devil is persistence. They are more persuaded that the Lord is faithful. Faith involves full assurance, the knowledge of the remission of sin, and the hope of being forever with the Lord. Satan is not able to deal with such persuasion. Faith will quench every fiery dart (temptation) hurled at us by our adversary.

If you expect to resist the devil, you must have confidence in Christ: "and take the helmet of salvation." You must be persuaded that He "is able to keep that which" you have committed "unto Him against that day" (2 Tim 1:12). You must be convinced that your name is "written in heaven" (Luke 10:20), and that "nothing is able to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:35-39). If you are not sure of your standing with God, Satan will get the advantage! Protect your mind with the hope of glory!

A knowledge of the Word of God is imperative if Satan is to be resisted: "and take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." An ignorance of the Word of God makes you vulnerable to your adversary, the devil. The power of the devil is increased when an ignorance of God's Word prevails. How serious it is when preachers and teachers withhold the Word of God from the people, feeding them instead on social issues, entertainment, and other matters unrelated to eternity.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Christ Jesus for providing such adequate armor and protection. Give me grace to put it all on -- and to keep it on.

-- TOMORROW: THE REQUIREMENT OF STEADFASTNESS --