Cause the enemy to flee

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

Do you believe in the devil?

I heard a story about two children playing together. One of them said, “Do you believe in the devil?” And the other one said, “Nah, it’s just like Santa Claus, it’s your dad.” Even though this is meant to be funny, really, it’s not. One of the tricks of the devil is to hide in plain sight. According to a survey, many people in the US don’t believe the devil exists. Therefore, he can work in and all around them without detection.

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14 ESV)

 Who is the devil

 “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Cor. 2:11 ESV)

The Bible says he’s a liar and a thief who comes to destroy and to steal.

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19 ESV)

“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8 ESV)

 What to do

I have heard a lot of Christian’s say to resist the devil. But that’s only half true. If you read the verse at top, it tells you to begin differently, with “Submit yourself therefore to God.” Because when you do this step, you are putting yourself into God’s presence and protection. This then puts you into the place of being empowered to do the next step “Resist the devil.” Because you will have God’s authority and power behind you, which is more than the devil can handle. Which then brings results “and he will flee from you.”

Therefore

“And give no opportunity to the devil.” (Eph. 4.27 ESV)

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:11-12 ESV)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Rom. 16:20 ESV)