I Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
I think we'll all agree that the devil is powerful and smart. He is also subtle in his actions. We are also unable to fight him with our own human resources. God's Word does tell us not to yield to him but that we are to flee from him. James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
We can resist him. To do that we need to remain "stedfast in the faith". We are presented with temptation every day. He attempts to use people and situations to tempt us and persuade us to compromise our beliefs and standards and to depart from the faith. We do have a choice as to whether or not we give into the temptation.
We need to "...put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11. We need to also use the "...sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:17. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The Word of God is an important tool and weapon that is given us to help in our battles with the devil. Jesus Himself used the Word of God to resist the devil. When He did...the devil would flee. If Jesus is to be our example...don't you think we should use the same tool so-to-speak? The Word of God will always be effective in getting the devil to flee. What makes us think there is a better way to do this?
For this reason it is very important to memorize Scripture. Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Most people do not carry their Bible around with them at all times to refer to in looking up Scripture in order to make the devil flee.
Notice also in James 4:7 that we are to submit to God AND resist the devil. If we will submit to God AND resist the devil...he has no choice but to flee. He is a powerful foe...but he can NEVER be more powerful than God. So when you are facing the enemy of the devil...submit to God then use the Word of God....and resist him. If you'll do this...he will flee from you!!!
8 comments:
Mrs Julie what a great post. I am thinking about putting up the message I preached two weeks ago when I preached don't let the devil in the door. I just got to sit down and put it on the computer. Yes the devil is very slick in the way he deals with us.
Bro Tim
Bro. Tim...Praise the Lord!! You should put that message on your blog. I'd like to read it.
I found a site that has a great resource for scripture memorization and the girls and I plan on implementing it this new school year. It will help us to memorize one a week which should be easier for Grace. I think it is so important to be armed with the Word of God and I am so bad at it. You actually quoted one of the only one I know now which is Hebrews 4:12. I studied and studied that one. I just love it.
Sis. Tiffany....Amen!! I hope you find it helps y'all to memorize Scripture. It really is very important to do!
Hello Mrs. Julie -
I just wanted to tell you that your blog looks so pretty! I love the new design!
Hugs,
Abigail
Abigail....Thank you so much!! I'm very pleased with it. It's nice to have a change every now and then.
Good morning. I like the new look of your blog. Great post as well. God bless.
Bro. Jerry...Thank you so much!!
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