“The soul is a citadel which no enemy can storm without consent.” Yet, brethren give way to the devil. James gave a double warning against being “double minded” (1:8; 4:8). Such is a good description of a worldly church member who needs to be converted (4:8; 5:19-20)! Three things stand out in our text to help us in our confrontation with the devil.
First, the devil is our foe. He is a personal foe. He tempted Jesus, entered Judas, desired to have Peter and hindered Paul! So is it with us, too.
The devil is a powerful foe. This is demonstrated in several ways. Note the names by which the devil is known: Apollyon, Devil, Satan, Prince and Beelzebub. Observe the creatures with which Satan is associated: Serpent, lion and dragon. See the accomplishments of the devil: moral depravity and ruin of the whole human race. Therefore, divine intervention is needed to subdue him (1 John 3:8).
Satan is a prowling foe (Job 1:6-7; 1 Peter 5:8). He is no mythical or cartoon character in a red jogging suit. The devil is not a personification of “evil”—with a “d” added. He is no shy, backward being (Job 2:1; Matthew 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:14).
We must fight or “resist.” What does it mean to resist? To resist is to stand against, to withstand, to argue with, reason with or plead with. Preparation is needed for such an undertaking (Ephesians 6:10-16). Other imperatives or steps needed in resisting include: You submit to God; be in subjection. You draw nigh unto God; enjoy close communion (Hebrews 10:22). You cleanse your hands—guard your outward conduct (1 Timothy 2:8; Psalm 24:3-4). You purify your hearts; inspect your inner motives (1 Peter 1:22; Psalm 66:18). You show genuine repentance (Matthew 5:4). Repentance is associated with being “afflicted,” to make oneself wretched (Romans 7:24), and “heaviness,” casting down of eyes in shame (Luke 18:13). You humble yourselves (v. 6).
Here are some observations about these imperatives. These verbs are in the aorist tense, indicating that these things are to be done once for all, as a settled thing. Just forsaking sin is not enough. Age and circumstances may cure us of some lusts, while the evil of such was never felt or admitted by us. There is a repentance of which one needs to repent (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).
Secondly, the devil “will flee from you.” Satan may not leave at first, or he may only temporarily (“he departed from him for a season,” Luke 4:13). Wolves will flee from earnest attackers, but they will defend themselves against those in whom they sense even the least fear. What you do will determine what the devil will do! “Flee”; seek safety by flight. The devil, too, will shrink back, stand aloof, if resisted.
Those who resist the devil will enjoy other promises. God will draw near to them (Ezekiel 18:32; Luke 15:20). Further, God will lift you up—“exalt” you (1 Peter 5:6).
If the devil is living in your heart, it is time to evict him! Has Satan filled your heart with something (Acts 5:3)? Possibly, you need to leave his kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
