James 4:7 NIV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
It is important when we look at this verse that we see the order James writes these things under the inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit. James says to submit yourselves, then, to God. The word submit in the Greek means subject, subordinate, to be or become inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination. If our desire is to work in freedom and victory over the devil it begins with submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Many people like the idea of Jesus as Savior. We are wretched sinners who can’t save ourselves or get out of our own way. But Jesus has given everything for us to be saved, delivered, healed, and restored. In Jesus Christ our sins are completely washed away as if we have never sinned.
But we must also make Jesus Lord. We must subject ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He must be Lord over our wants, our desires, our dreams, and our destiny. This is the key to overcoming the devil. As long as we live in rebellion in any way to the Lordship of Jesus, we leave and open door for the devil to come in and destroy and wreak havoc. God desires the very best for us, but everything in our lives must be surrendered.
James then says to resist the devil. The word resist also means to oppose. We are not called to be a doormat for the enemy. We are called to stand our ground against the schemes of the devil, clothed and equipped with the armor of God (Eph 6:10-18). We find ourselves daily engaged in a spiritual battle. The devil is an invisible enemy we cannot see, and he often attacks our minds and hearts. He sends forth his flaming arrows, but when we understand who we are in Christ and the authority we have, we will not only be able to stand and resist, but we will also be able to overcome. One principle we find in God’s kingdom is when ground is taken it always requires battle and warfare. But we must be fully surrendered to Christ to become the victorious servant God has called us to be.
Ultimately if we surrender to the Lordship of Christ, and resist the devil, he will flee from us. He will not be able to withstand the work of the Holy Spirit through us. The devil will tempt us to respond in the flesh, but we must be guided and led by the Holy Spirit. God has called us to walk in victory, to always live in victory. But it all begins with fully surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father help me to understand who I am in Christ and the authority I have through your Son Jesus. Father help me to fully surrender to your will and purpose. Help me to resist the devil and to keep my eyes fixed upon you. In every battle may my heart and mind be fixed upon you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for your grace and mercy. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection
1. What battle are you facing today from the devil?
2. Are there any areas of your life that need to be surrendered?
Comentarios