Resist the Devil vs. Submit to God

Attribute	Resist the Devil	Submit to God
Definition	Opposing the temptations and influences of evil	Yielding to the will and authority of God
Actions	Actively fighting against sinful desires and influences	Choosing to follow God's commands and guidance
Outcome	Protection from evil and spiritual growth	Peace, joy, and blessings from God
Scriptural Basis	James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."	James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Introduction

Resist the Devil and Submit to God are two key concepts found in the Bible that are often discussed in Christian teachings. Both involve spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil. While they may seem like opposing actions, they actually work hand in hand to help believers grow in their faith and resist temptation. In this article, we will explore the attributes of resisting the devil and submitting to God, and how they can impact our spiritual lives.

Resist the Devil

Resisting the devil is a command given to believers in the Bible. In James 4:7, it says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse emphasizes the importance of actively resisting the temptations and schemes of the devil. When we resist the devil, we are standing firm in our faith and refusing to give in to his lies and deceit. It requires strength, courage, and reliance on God's power to overcome the enemy.

One attribute of resisting the devil is the need for spiritual discernment. The devil is cunning and deceptive, often disguising his temptations as something good or harmless. By being vigilant and discerning, believers can recognize the devil's tactics and resist them effectively. This involves being rooted in the Word of God and having a deep relationship with Him through prayer and worship.

Another attribute of resisting the devil is the importance of self-control. The devil preys on our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, seeking to lead us astray. By exercising self-control and discipline, believers can resist the devil's temptations and stand firm in their faith. This requires a conscious effort to resist sinful desires and impulses, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

Resisting the devil also involves putting on the full armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18. This spiritual armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. By equipping ourselves with this armor, we can withstand the attacks of the enemy and emerge victorious in spiritual battles.

Submit to God

Submitting to God is another important aspect of the Christian faith. It involves surrendering our will, desires, and plans to God's will and authority. In James 4:7, it says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God." This act of submission requires humility, trust, and obedience to God's Word. When we submit to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and lordship over our lives.

One attribute of submitting to God is the need for humility. Humility is the opposite of pride, which is often the root of disobedience and rebellion against God. By humbling ourselves before God, we recognize our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance and direction. Humility allows us to submit to God's will and trust in His plans for our lives.

Another attribute of submitting to God is the importance of obedience. Obedience is a key aspect of submitting to God, as it demonstrates our love and reverence for Him. When we obey God's commands and follow His teachings, we show our commitment to His will and our desire to please Him. Obedience requires faith and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.

Submitting to God also involves seeking His will in all areas of our lives. This means surrendering our desires, ambitions, and dreams to God's perfect plan for us. By seeking God's will through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking wise counsel, we can align our lives with His purposes and experience His blessings and favor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resisting the devil and submitting to God are two essential aspects of the Christian faith that work together to help believers grow in their spiritual walk. While resisting the devil involves standing firm against temptation and spiritual attacks, submitting to God requires surrendering our will and desires to His authority and guidance. By practicing both of these attributes, believers can experience victory over the enemy and walk in obedience to God's will. May we all strive to resist the devil, submit to God, and grow in our faith and relationship with Him.