Resisting the Enemy
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Many believers struggle with spiritual attacks because they focus only on resisting the devil but neglect the first step—submitting to God. The order that James wrote is crucial to walk in victory. We must align ourselves with God's authority before effectively resisting the enemy.
Submission means surrendering our will, desires, and choices to God’s Word, trusting that His power operates through our obedience. Once we are submitted to God, we don’t have to tolerate the devil’s schemes. The Word is clear: resist him, and he will flee. This isn’t a passive endurance but an active stand against the enemy’s attacks. In this passage, the Greek word for resist means to actively oppose, like a soldier standing his ground in battle. You don't resist the enemy by ignoring him; you resist by standing firm in the truth of God's Word.
Don't give in when the enemy comes against you—push back. If fear attacks, respond with the Word. When the enemy tells you that you’re too dumb to do something, say, “I have the mind of Christ.” When you feel tempted to say that you “can’t,” say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” However, if your words declare victory but your actions reflect defeat, you leave room for the enemy to work. You must not only speak faith but also actively walk in it. This means making daily decisions that reflect your trust in God—whether in your finances, relationships, or thought life. The enemy cannot overrun a mind that is submitted to God.
Furthermore, we resist the devil by standing united with the body of Christ. Satan operates through isolation, making believers feel alone or unworthy. When connected to a faith-filled community, you receive encouragement, accountability, and strength.
Practical Application
Praise God today instead of focusing on the enemy's actions. Spiritual warfare isn’t merely about fighting; it’s about achieving victory. Praising God shifts our focus from the enemy to God’s power, bolstering our confidence that we already have the victory.