Calendar

LET THE DEVIL FLEE
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 4
James 4:7

Matthew 4:3-11

 

“Jesus said unto him,

It is written…”

 

LET THE DEVIL FLEE
 
The “devil” (Greek: diabolos) means the false accuser and slanderer. The Scripture always represents him as the adversary both of God and men. As a false accuser, he will bring up, again and again, the guilt of our sins that may result in discouragement. Read Revelation 12:9-10.
 
Submit to God: To “submit yourselves” (James 4:7, hupotasso) means to be subordinate. The believer is to be obedient and to be made subject to God. This command to submit is primarily a military term meaning literally “to rank under.” In the passive form, it indicates submission that is voluntary. God asks from us obedience to His written Word. When we obey and keep His Word, we do His will in our lives. When we live for the Lord, the devil will flee from us. He will have nothing to do with us, for we submit to God’s Word. Remember what Jesus did when Satan tempted Him in Matthew 4. Jesus said, “It is written.” Jesus, in effect, told the devil that He cannot do anything apart from the Scriptures. And so must we. Hence, James concludes that we ought to lay aside envy, for the Scriptures do not command it.
 
Resist the devil: To “resist” means to “set oneself against.” The Scriptures command believers to take a firm stand against the devil (Eph 6:13). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pet 5:8-9).
 
Dear reader, we must not give in to the wiles and seductions of the devil. Do not be fooled! The moment you doubt the Scriptures, and you do not submit to its authority, Satan will come in and lead you. The Bible is our supreme and final authority in faith and practice. Do not attempt to step out from it. There is no neutral ground. Either you are submitting to God or the devil. Be aware of the danger!
 
THOUGHT: Am I submitting to God and resisting the devil?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the grace to resist the devil by submitting myself to Thy holy commandment.

Search