Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 WEB

In this scripture James writes to new believers encouraging them to resist the devil. They have been fighting amongst themselves because of worldly attitudes. In the previous verses, James questions what causes discord between his readers. He asserts that the trouble they experience comes from selfish desires rather than relying on God. James declares that their prayers aren’t answered because they are motivated by pleasures of the flesh.

Beyond that, James indicates to his reader that God sees their selfish behavior as adultery. He says this plainly in James 4:4 stating, “You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. WEB”

He Gives Grace to The Humble

With compassion, before instructing his readers to “resist the devil,” James references Proverbs 3:34 which states, “Surely, he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble. WEB” God resists the proud but gives grace to those who submit to him. The Lord opposes us when selfishness motivates our behavior.

So, what should we do? The answer is simple and straightforward. We reaffirm our commitment to God. We submit to him. Further, when tempted by selfishness, we resist the devil who intends to use our selfishness against us. James uses encouraging words telling us that Satan will flee when we refuse to give into our carnal desires.

But what does it mean to resist? We do not resist by fighting. Rather, we actively pull away from temptation and seek the good things of God. We counter the lies of the enemy with God’s word. We seek to serve God and take refuge in his goodness, love, and power. When in God’s presence, actively living our lives in submission to God’s will, the devil will run away.

Yesterday’s Devotional: I Bow My Knees