The supernatural world is very real. In Mark (5:1-20) we get to witness the power and love of Jesus on full display; He seeks out and completely delivers a man bound by a “legion” of demons. We learn from our Lord how to deal with demons and spiritual forces that would seek to destroy us (John 10:10).
So, how do we deal with the devil? Should we go on the offensive and enter into a power encounter with the Evil One? No! We are powerless on our own. It is only through Jesus that we can defeat the Ancient Serpent.
In fact, James tells us exactly what to do when we are attacked: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Let’s consider this directive to “Submit and Resist” the devil.
First, we SUBMIT.
Submitting to God means humbly putting on the full spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6). One way we do this is by reading and obeying God’s Word (the sword of the Spirit). We should also practice faith-filled praise and intercessory prayer when we feel confronted by Satan and his demons.
Next, we RESIST.
Resisting the devil means we withstand, strive against, or oppose. We should be alert, knowing Satan seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We should also not be caught off guard, so that satan won’t outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:11). We only need to call out to Jesus to defend us and rebuke the devil. He is all powerful … not us.
I like the quote by Pastor Skip Hietzig (Cavalry Church of Albuquerque), “When the devil knocks on your door through deception, lies, or emotional attack, don’t open the door and rebuke him. Ask Jesus to answer the door.”
Finally, never forget that as a Believer, we have God living inside of us. THAT makes all the difference. 1 John 4:4 tells us, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” Amen!
Submitting and Resisting with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor