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James 4:7 - How To Deal With Temptation.James 4:7 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.INTRODUCTION Although God and the devil are at war, we don't have to wait until the end to see who will win. God has already defeated Satan (Rev. 12:10-12), and when Christ returns, the devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever (Rev. 20:10-15). Satan is here now, however, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL So we may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us, Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."[James 4:7, 8.] We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."[Prov. 18:10.] Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name. DA131 COMMENTARY I've worked from home for a lot of years, but I frequently take my at-home office on the road to fit it in among mom responsibilities and other errands. A surprising number of tasks can be done in the car. Drive time is prime time to accomplish "filler" activities like listening to podcasts or audiobooks. I can also dictate notes for an assignment while waiting in the carpool line or at a sports practice. But time in the car can create a messy vehicle. Recently, I looked down and felt ashamed about the state of the floor mats. The layers of dirt and debris were gross. I was tidier than that, usually. I figured all they needed was a good shake. Within five minutes, it was done and the environment of the whole vehicle felt better. When one part of a space is messy, the whole space feels filthy. Spiritual battles can have a similar effect on my heart and mind. When the enemy attacks me in one area - finances, health, recurring sins, family relationships - my fear and struggle can carry over into other areas. But James 4:7 encourages me toward consistent, thorough victory. When I resist the devil, he flees. He has to leave. Jesus's name holds the power to shake off Satan's tactics completely. In Jesus, I have the authority to shake off enemy attacks. And when he flees, the entire environment of my life is fresher and cleaner. Erin Kee-Ley Marshall Faith Step: Make a list of the enemy's tactics against you lately. Speak Jesus's name over it, and practice the spiritual shake-off. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] TESTIMONIES If we want God's grace for power over temptation and sin (and of course that is the only way to have victory over temptation and sin) then we need to submit to God and his ways by turning from the devil and our sinful nature. We do this by drawing near to God so He can come near to us and give us the grace we need to follow in His ways. The way we draw near to God is through prayer (earnest and spiritual), Bible promises (claiming them), service to others (using gifts and talents for the needy), and Christian fellowship (praises, singing, thanksgiving, and testimonies). PTL!!! Best Bible text for victory over demons. Only works if you have a healthy relationship with Jesus. LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY James 4:7-8: How To Deal With Temptation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240901-1245.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230627-0954.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190823-0932.html James 4:7, 8 - Drawing Near to God. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221019-0824.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170306-1007.html Ephesians 6:10-13 - Christian Warfare. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240423-0827.html Exodus 14:13, 14 - When He Leads Us Through. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210416-0920.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |