May 24, 2021 -- James 4:7 -- How the Spirit makes the Devil RUN!
/Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 English Standard Version
Yesterday I listened to someone reading a George Whitfield sermon. It was quite interesting. Whitfield noted there are several ways the devil attacks. Knowing these helps one prepare.
The devil is the accuser. He will remind you of your sin. Be prepared by remembering at the cross Jesus disarmed Satan and his accusations (Colossians 2:14-15.
The devil will tempt you with things you desire, by offering you his wicked short-cuts, which have no reference to the glory of God. As Jesus quoted scripture, so also know the word and declare “it is written”.
There will be times the devil suddenly seems to leave you alone. After Jesus was tempted the devil “departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). So there may be a brief season where temptations are lessened, be prepared for the fact a new onslaught will come, when you least expect it
The devil will sometimes launch obscene and wicked thoughts. These are the flaming arrows of the devil (Ephesians 6:16). Unwelcome and set ablaze in the pit of hell, be aware the devil is just trying to ignite a fire which the God-given shield of faith can extinguish.
Such vile and hellish tactics are such which the Christian must be prepared to fight. The greatest protection the believer has is being fully submitted to the Living God. We are submitted to Him as beloved sons and daughters who have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. We choose to drink deeply from the well of Salvation—Jesus Christ is for us living water—which quenches the fiery arrows of the enemy, refreshes the soul and keeps the believer from feeling parched. Dearly loved people of God, know that the Living God has already given everything you need for salvation—the forgiveness won by Christ’s blood; the disarming of the enemy at the cross, the Spirit of God to guard you in the riches of Christ. The Spirit makes the Word clear so that we are protected in our God. Rejoice believer rejoice! Help those who are struggling while you prepare to endure until the day of Jesus’ return.
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Psalm 95:1-7 ESV
https://youtu.be/A98YQHG8tLY
