"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is well known that the Adversary means us no good. We are encouraged in Paul's letter to the Ephesians to "put on the full armor of God" in order that we might resist the fiery arrows with which he is actively attacking us. Despite this metaphor, he is not nearly so overt. The attacks of Satan come quietly and often times attractively.. He appeals to things that are already desirous to us be it because of how it looks, how it can bring us physical pleasure or feed our ego. Once we give in, the attack has been successful. And once he has been successful, the target that we are becomes easier and easier to hit.
Beloved, there is no reason that we should make it easy for Satan to destroy us, particularly since there is a refuge available in God. Not only does God equip us with armor but He also limits the attack and provides a retreat if we need it. Scripture reveals, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" 1 Cor 10:13.
The greatest threat then, is not Satan, nor is it his powerful ability to tempt. The greatest threats are the choices we make. We have to choose to put on the armor. We have to choose to take the escape. We have to choose to not give in to that which looks, tastes and feels good to us when it stands in opposition to godliness. And just as the Adversary is embolden by the success of getting us to submit to his attack, the word of God tells us that he is discouraged when he is unsuccessful. Would you like to deal with less temptation in your life? When it comes, just say "no" to it and you will find that it will pop up less and less until it stops all together. When the armor is on and the darts do not work, he will look for an easier target.
Committed,
Lee
Showing posts with label James 4:7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James 4:7. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Resisting Satan-5/8/2012
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is sure that Satan exists and that he has targeted humanity as a tactic in his war with God. It is also sure that God knows this and has provided for our protection by equipping us with armor (Eph 6:11-18). By virtue of these facts, it becomes obvious that we have a role to play in this epic struggle. It is certainly up to us to "put on the full armor of God" but prior even to this, we must make a decision to resist Satan rather than submitting to him.
Beloved, it is critical that we understand Satan means us no good. To be sure, we are enticed by him with great subtlety and the use of all kinds of things that appeal to us but we must constantly be aware that indulgence in these things will take us outside the will of our Father. Despite the sometimes very soft and quiet manner in which Satan approaches, it is important to understand that, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," 1 Peter 5:8. He means us no good at all.
I'm reminded of a campaign launched in the late 80's which was designed to keep kids off drugs. It was called "Just Say No!" It was a remarkable effort that accomplished at least three great things. First, it created awareness of a life threatening promise. Second, it provided direction and methodology to deal with the problem. Lastly, it worked. All said, it was simply a new twist on tried and true advice: RESIST! The more we resist, the stronger we will become and the less of a problem he will be. We can literally put the devil on the run. Once we have decided to resist him, the word of God says that we will be successful.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is sure that Satan exists and that he has targeted humanity as a tactic in his war with God. It is also sure that God knows this and has provided for our protection by equipping us with armor (Eph 6:11-18). By virtue of these facts, it becomes obvious that we have a role to play in this epic struggle. It is certainly up to us to "put on the full armor of God" but prior even to this, we must make a decision to resist Satan rather than submitting to him.
Beloved, it is critical that we understand Satan means us no good. To be sure, we are enticed by him with great subtlety and the use of all kinds of things that appeal to us but we must constantly be aware that indulgence in these things will take us outside the will of our Father. Despite the sometimes very soft and quiet manner in which Satan approaches, it is important to understand that, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," 1 Peter 5:8. He means us no good at all.
I'm reminded of a campaign launched in the late 80's which was designed to keep kids off drugs. It was called "Just Say No!" It was a remarkable effort that accomplished at least three great things. First, it created awareness of a life threatening promise. Second, it provided direction and methodology to deal with the problem. Lastly, it worked. All said, it was simply a new twist on tried and true advice: RESIST! The more we resist, the stronger we will become and the less of a problem he will be. We can literally put the devil on the run. Once we have decided to resist him, the word of God says that we will be successful.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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