Chapter 2: Standing Firm in Faith
Subtitle: The Power of Submission and Resistance to Defeat the Enemy
Today is another day that the Lord has blessed us. We are alive, and we are grateful. Amen.
It is a privilege to rise each day and open our mouths in praise and worship to our God. Father, I thank You. I was filled with excitement for this moment.
Good morning to our family across the globe. Let us continue our journey in the Word. I am truly excited to share with you today. So, let’s begin.
A Prayer of Dedication
Father, forgive me of any sin. As I open my mouth to glorify You and deliver the word You have given me, let Your people be built up, encouraged, and inspired. Let them glorify You and give You praise today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We continue our series titled “Why the Enemy Wants You to Focus on Your Circumstances, Trials, and Tests.” One of the key reasons is that Satan wants believers to live in fear. Fear paralyzes faith and causes believers to forfeit their God-given authority.
This week’s focus is on James 4:7–10, and today we move into Part 2 of “Cause the Devil to Run in Terror.” If you missed Part 1, I encourage you to go back and listen to it.
Let us now revisit James 4:7:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (KJV)
Yesterday, we focused on the latter portion—“he will flee from you.” We learned that when you submit to God, you become the enemy’s worst nightmare. The devil will flee—meaning he will run away from danger. And you, as a believer, filled with the power and presence of God, are that danger.
The Power of Resistance
Let’s turn our attention to the beginning of the verse: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil…”
The word resist means to withstand or oppose the action or effect of something. Think about how someone might say, “I couldn’t resist buying that blouse,” or “I couldn’t resist telling them how I felt.” In both cases, it implies a pull—a temptation—that was not opposed. But spiritual resistance is intentional and requires determination.
To resist means to:
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Refrain from sin or temptation.
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Withstand external and internal pressures.
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Stand firm against an opposing force.
Consider the body’s immune system: it resists infection. In the same way, believers are called to spiritually resist the devil’s attacks through God’s power and truth. Resistance is a choice—a conscious, daily decision.
While many in our culture, including celebrities and influencers, have openly submitted to the enemy, we are commanded to submit to God. Submission to God is the first step toward victory over Satan.
The Greek Origin of “Resist”
The Greek word for resist is antistēmi, a compound of anti (against) and histēmi (to stand). It means “to stand against.” To resist the devil is to stand in direct opposition to him and his schemes.
We can remember this with the acronym T.F.P.:
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T – Proclaim the gospel.
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F – Fortify yourself against Satan’s attacks.
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P – Pray for God’s strength and wisdom to stand.
Resistance is Active, Not Passive
You must intentionally pull away from the lies of the enemy and speak God’s truth. This includes daily affirming God’s love, goodness, and power over your life.
Submitting to God involves:
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Yielding to His will.
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Living righteously.
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Trusting Him fully.
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Cultivating intimacy through prayer, fasting, and worship.
As Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV) declares:
“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”
This verse reminds us that God does not leave us defenseless. He raises a standard and fights with us and for us.
Spiritual Applications of Resistance
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Prayer and Fasting
These spiritual disciplines help align your heart with God’s will and build resistance against temptation. -
Bible Study
Knowing the Word of God equips you to speak truth when the enemy attacks with lies. -
Worship
Worship deepens your relationship with God and strengthens your spirit to stand firm. -
Testimony
Revelation 12:11 (KJV) says,“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…”
Your story of deliverance is a weapon against the enemy. -
Putting on the Armor of God
Refer to Ephesians 6:10–18 for the full armor needed to resist the enemy: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. -
Spiritual Weapons
2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) tells us:“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”
The devil attempts to build strongholds—fortresses of fear, sin, and doubt—but God’s power tears them down.
We must take sin seriously. Sin creates a separation from God and opens the door to the enemy. Ask God for forgiveness daily. As I often teach, I ask God for forgiveness both when I rise and when I go to sleep. I don’t leave room for the enemy to gain a foothold.
Conclusion
When we submit to God and actively resist the devil, we invoke the power of heaven to stand on our behalf. The enemy has no choice but to flee.
6 Key Takeaways
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Submit to God daily — Obedience is your strongest spiritual weapon.
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Resist the enemy intentionally — Standing firm in truth repels the devil’s attacks.
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Spiritual resistance is a choice — Choose faith over fear and righteousness over sin.
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Use God’s weapons — Prayer, fasting, the Word, and worship are powerful tools.
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Don’t take sin lightly — Confess and repent regularly to stay spiritually protected.
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Your testimony has power — Sharing your story strengthens you and silences the enemy.
From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Cause The Devil To Run In Terror ( Part 2), Apr 21, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000704264859&r=542
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