A Believer's Battle
James 4:7 reads, "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
This verse captures a profound truth about the Christian walk—our posture towards God and our stance against evil. It begins with the command to submit to God. Submission here is not merely an act of obedience but a posture of the heart, acknowledging God's sovereignty and authority over our lives. It's about yielding our will to His, trusting His wisdom and guidance above our own.
Submission is not passive; it's an active choice to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with God's will. It involves surrendering our pride, selfish ambitions, and sinful tendencies at the feet of Jesus. When we submit to God in this way, we open ourselves to His blessings, protection, and transformation.
The second part of the verse calls us to resist the devil. This resistance is not based on our own strength or strategies but on the power of God working in us. Ephesians 6:10-11 echoes this idea, urging us to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Resisting the devil involves recognizing his tactics—deception, temptation, and accusations—and countering them with God's truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation (Ephesians 6:14-17). It's about actively opposing anything that goes against God's Word and His purposes for our lives.
The promise attached to this command is profound: "he will flee from you." When we submit to God and resist the devil, his influence over us weakens, and he has no choice but to flee. This doesn't mean we won't face spiritual battles or temptations, but it assures us that with God's strength, we can overcome them victoriously.
James 4:7 is not just a formula for dealing with spiritual warfare; it's a lifestyle of dependence on God and opposition to evil. It reminds us that our victory is not in our own might but in our connection to the Almighty. As we submit to God daily, seeking His will and relying on His strength, we experience His peace, protection, and presence in every aspect of our lives.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Ephesians 3:7-8. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog, I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email Dean: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com