Resisting The Enemy

Spiritual victory requires complete submission to the Lord.

James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (KJV). Submission requires surrendering any control we might have over a situation or problem, in particular when we are tempted.

Otherwise, we will be operating in our strength, trying desperately to free ourselves from worldly and fleshly snares.

The more you resist a temptation, the more difficult it becomes not to give in to it! Rather you resist by first submitting to the Lord and then you will be able to fully resist the devil.

Submission means recognizing the Lord's authority to give you power to resist temptation and the tempter.

Of the few places Jesus was astonished in the New Testament is when a Roman centurion recognized His authority to heal by simply saying the word. This man submitted to Jesus because he understood what it means to answer to someone who holds greater power and influence over him. (Matthew 8:8-10)

Spiritual victory in submitting to the Lord gives us a fearlessness to resist the devil. No longer do we bend, bow or cower because Satan tempts us to sin. Through God's power we can shut the Enemy's mouth that shouts lies in our ears that we will never make any progress, were stuck and useless to resist. We know greater is He in me than he who is in the world!

Right now, are you being tempted to sin? Are you wanting to take matters into your own hands when someone has hurt you? Do you feel like giving up after falling flat on your face? Are you listening to the lie of the enemy to return to a place you know sin is lurking behind closed doors?

Beloved, run to the Lord. Present your body to Him as a living sacrifice. Offering these members not for sin, but as instruments of righteousness. Acknowledge He has all power to help you. Be honest with Him letting Him know what how you feel and think. Talk to Him about what you want to do and you understand it is sinful. Then listen for His voice to speak to you through the Scriptures. The Lord will make a way of escape for you, but you must be submitted to Him to obey His leading.

When you submit to God, He hides you under the shelter of His wings like a mother hen gathering her chicks. You are no longer a target of the devil. Why? Your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3)

Submission to Christ is the resistance the Enemy fears!