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 14 of 15

THE REQUIREMENT OF STEADFASTNESS

While theologians have, through the centuries, argued about the necessity of steadfastness, there is never any question about it in the Word of God. With remarkable consistency, those in Christ Jesus are urged to be steadfast, unflagging, and to maintain a vigilant spirit. Steadfastness has to do with constancy, endurance, faithfulness, and being unwavering. Without this quality, it is not possible to resist the devil. Those who play at religion, casually embracing a form of godliness that denies the power thereof will be defeated by the devil. He will overcome them, taking them captive to do his will (2 Tim 2:26).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:58). Is it really possible to be "unmovable"--to say nothing of it being necessary? Indeed, why would the Holy Spirit give such an exhortation if it were beyond the realm of possibility, or had no bearing on spiritual life? To be sure, this word cannot be fulfilled in human energy alone. Unless the Lord comes along side of us, fortifying our efforts, they will fall to the ground. But that is the whole point. Steadfastness, or "always abounding in the work of the Lord," is always attended by the Divine presence. Our labor is effective because we are under the yoke with Jesus.

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb 3:14). Here is a condition that is scarcely mentioned in the pulpits of the land. It has everything to do with resisting the devil. Notice that holding "the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end" is the condition and evidence of being "partakers of Christ." Who is the person who will boast he has Jesus, yet possesses no confidence in Christ? If there be such a person, they have not told the truth. When you were born again, you started by being washed. Your conscience was purged, and you knew your sins were forgiven. Steadfastness requires the maintenance of that confidence. If you do not have it, you will not be able to resist the devil.

"For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col 2:5). The steadfastness of our faith is evidenced when we refuse to allow unbelief to dominate us. We will not let go of our faith in Christ, or cease to trust Him. This is absolutely essential to resisting the devil. A person who is not dominated by faith in Christ will not be able to resist the devil.

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness" (2 Pet 3:17). Satan knows the lack of steadfastness makes the individual vulnerable to his devices. He has sent a flood of his ministers into the world, who "transform themselves into ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor 11:14-15). Their mission is to so tempt men as to provoke them to fall from their own steadfastness. Many in the professed church may not know it, but the devil and all of his hosts do. The soul that falls from its steadfastness drops quickly into the hands of the devil.

The resistance of Satan requires unflagging effort on the part of the believer. The Word of God is too plain on this matter for any one to doubt it. The relentlessness of Satan confirms to every sound minded person the necessity of unfailing involvement in the fight of faith.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for grace, the Spirit, and faith, that enable me to be steadfast in the faith. In the name of Christ, I ask for an abundant supply of them all.

-- TOMORROW: SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS -- SATAN HINDERS --