Resist the Devil

James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Who Is James Writing To?

James addresses Christians—those who can resist the devil. Lost people follow the devil (Eph. 2:2), lie under his power (John 8:44; 1 John 5:19), and love his lies. Only believers, indwelt by Christ, have authority to stand against him.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Revelation 12:7–12 describes a cosmic battle: Michael and his angels defeat the dragon (the devil), who is then hurled to earth—our very battlefield. His fury is directed at God’s people (v. 17), declaring war on those who keep God’s commandments and hold to Christ’s testimony.

The Devil’s Character

1. Cruel — He shows no mercy (Job 1).
2. Liar — His lies aim to distort God’s character.
3. Tempter — All have fallen to his schemes except Christ (Matt. 4).
4. Accuser — He constantly condemns believers (Rev. 12:10).
5. Powerful — The “great red dragon” (Rev. 12:3) wields cosmic authority but is subject to God’s sovereign control.

Our Responsibility: Resist the Devil

James 4:7 — Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

• Spiritual warfare is intimate (“wrestling,” Eph. 6:12), hand‑to‑hand combat.
• We must actively stand our ground and advance Christ’s kingdom.

How to Resist the Devil

1. Know Scripture (The Sword of the Spirit)

Ephesians 6:17 — “Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

• The devil targets our minds (2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 11:3).
• Truth counters his fiery darts—false thoughts, doubts, temptations.

2. Exercise Faith (The Shield)

Ephesians 6:16 — “Take up the shield of faith… to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

• Faith comes by hearing the Word (Rom. 10:17).
• A strong grip on God’s promises protects against lies.

3. Stand in God’s Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 — “Stand… having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

• Our righteousness is Christ’s work, applied by faith.

4. Share the Gospel (Shoes of Peace)

Ephesians 6:15 — “With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”

• Living and speaking the good news advances God’s kingdom.

God’s Guaranteed Result

James 4:7 — If you resist, “he will flee from you.”

• Believers are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
• Christ disarmed the powers (Col. 2:15); His victory secures ours.

Conclusion Prayer

Father, empower us to resist the devil by abiding in Your Word, exercising faith, and advancing Your gospel. Help us stand firm in this spiritual battle, knowing that You are with us. In Christ’s name, Amen.