To submit to God is to align our will with His divine purpose. It begins with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His strength and wisdom. Through regular prayer and meditation on scripture, we learn to understand God's desires for us. Studying His word reveals His character, guiding our decisions and shaping our lives.
Resisting the devil involves rejecting thoughts and actions that go against God's will. Surrounding ourselves with supportive, faith-filled individuals and engaging in spiritually nurturing activities empowers us in this resistance. Submission to God is not a sign of weakness, but a bold stance of faith and trust in His plan for our lives.
James 4:7 – The Power of Submission and Resistance: A Sermon and Reflection
In the world today, many of us are constantly faced with challenges and temptations that test our faith and resolve. Whether it’s the lure of materialism, the pressures of society, or personal struggles, the battle is real. But in the midst of this struggle, James 4:7 offers us a simple yet profound directive: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (KJV).
This single verse provides two essential keys to living a victorious Christian life: submission to God and resistance to the devil. But how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? Let’s unpack the depth of this verse, explore its meaning, and answer a common question that arises from it.
Understanding Submission to God
The first part of James 4:7 commands us to "submit yourselves therefore to God." Submission is often misunderstood as weakness or passivity. However, biblical submission is neither of these things. Instead, it is a deliberate and conscious act of surrendering our will to God’s authority and aligning our lives with His divine purpose.
In this context, submission means recognizing that God is sovereign over all things and trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own. It involves humbling ourselves before Him and acknowledging our dependence on His strength, guidance, and wisdom.
Submission to God begins with a heart that is willing to let go of pride, selfish ambition, and the desire to control our own lives. It’s about yielding to God’s plan, even when it conflicts with our own desires. Jesus modeled this kind of submission in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42, KJV).
When we submit to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power. He begins to mold our character, reshape our priorities, and guide our decisions. Submission allows us to live in alignment with His will, and as we do so, we experience His peace, presence, and protection.
Resisting the Devil: A Call to Action
The second half of James 4:7 gives us an active command: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The devil, as the source of temptation and sin, seeks to lure us away from God’s path. Whether through external pressures or internal struggles, he continually attempts to undermine our faith and lead us into disobedience.
To resist the devil means to take a firm stand against his influence. This requires spiritual discernment and an awareness of how the enemy operates. Satan’s tactics often involve sowing doubt, fear, discouragement, or enticing us with short-term pleasure that leads to long-term consequences.
How do we resist?
By standing firm in faith: Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to "put on the whole armor of God," which equips us to stand against the devil’s schemes. This armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These spiritual tools enable us to withstand the enemy’s attacks.
By drawing near to God: The next verse in James, 4:8, tells us to "draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." The closer we are to God, the more empowered we are to resist the devil. Prayer, worship, and meditating on Scripture strengthen our connection with God and fortify us spiritually.
By surrounding ourselves with godly influences: Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (KJV). Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage, support, and hold us accountable helps us resist the devil’s tactics and maintain a strong faith.
James gives us a promise: when we actively resist the devil, he will flee from us. This is not a suggestion but a guarantee. The enemy has no power over a believer who is submitted to God and stands firm in faith. While the devil may attempt to return, each time we resist, he is forced to retreat.
The Relationship Between Submission and Resistance
Notice that submission to God comes before the command to resist the devil. This order is significant because it reveals a spiritual truth: we cannot effectively resist the devil unless we are first submitted to God. Our strength to stand against temptation and the enemy comes from our relationship with God. It is through His power and authority that we are able to resist the devil successfully.
Without submission to God, resistance becomes futile. If we are not aligned with God’s will and relying on His strength, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. But when we are submitted to God, we have His full backing, and the devil must flee.
A Common Question About James 4:7
Question: “How do I practically submit to God in my everyday life?”
This is a common and important question, as many believers struggle with understanding how to make submission a daily reality.
Answer:
Submitting to God is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. Here are practical steps you can take to submit to God daily:
Begin each day with prayer: Start your day by surrendering your plans, desires, and challenges to God. Ask Him to guide your steps and help you make decisions that honor Him.
Read and meditate on Scripture: The Bible is God’s revealed will. By regularly studying Scripture, you will gain a deeper understanding of His character, His desires for your life, and how to align your thoughts and actions with His commands.
Cultivate a spirit of humility: Submission requires humility. Be willing to admit when you’ve made mistakes, seek God’s forgiveness, and ask for His help in areas where you struggle. Humility opens the door to God’s grace.
Seek God’s will in decision-making: Whether big or small, make it a habit to consult God in your decisions. Before making choices, ask yourself: “Does this align with God’s Word? Will this decision draw me closer to Him or further away?”
Confess areas of pride or self-reliance: Submission means letting go of control. Be honest with yourself and with God about areas where you may be holding on too tightly. Surrender these areas to Him and trust that His ways are better than your own.
Surround yourself with godly influences: Engage in fellowship with other believers who can encourage you, hold you accountable, and help you grow in your submission to God.
By incorporating these practices into your life, you will develop a heart of submission that empowers you to resist the devil effectively.
Conclusion: The Victory in Submission and Resistance
James 4:7 offers a powerful formula for spiritual victory: submission to God and resistance to the devil. These two actions are interconnected, and when practiced together, they lead to a life of peace, strength, and spiritual protection.
Submission to God is not a passive act but an active choice to trust His will and walk in His ways. Resistance to the devil requires vigilance, spiritual discernment, and a firm commitment to stand against temptation. When we embrace both of these commands, we tap into the power of God to overcome the challenges we face.
Let us continually submit ourselves to God, drawing strength from Him to resist the enemy. In doing so, we will walk in the victory that He has already won for us through Christ.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts of humility, recognizing our need for Your strength and guidance. We submit our lives to You, trusting that Your plans are better than our own. Help us to resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy. Fill us with Your Spirit and empower us to stand firm in faith. We thank You for the promise that when we resist the devil, he will flee. Give us the wisdom to draw near to You each day, relying on Your grace to lead us in every decision.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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