FOLLOWING GOD’S WORD RESISTING THE DEVIL
The Bible is the “inspired” written Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus Christ is the Word of God in flesh (John 1:1-2, 14). Jesus said, people should follow or live by “every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The Word of God tells us: “Submit to God. Resist the devil” (James 4:7).
JESUS FOLLOWED GOD’S WORD IN RESISTED THE DEVIL
After Jesus was baptized he was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to pray to God, and be tempted by the devil or Satan. Jesus followed the Word of God and resisted the devil when he was tempted. The devil, “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), tempted Jesus three times with the things of this world–“the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Jesus resisted the devil with the Word of God.
Knowing Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy his flesh and to show that he was the Son of God. Jesus replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then, the devil tempted him to jump off the temple to reveal to the world he was God in the flesh. The devil said, if you are the Son of God throw yourself down, for it is written, his angels will lift you up so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus said, “It is also written: Do not put the Lord you God to the test.”
Again the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world and their glory. The devil told him all this will I give you, if you fall down and worship me. (Satan offered Jesus a chance to rule the world without having to suffering and die on a cross as God would have him do). Jesus emphatically stated: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord you God and serve Him only.” After the devil left Jesus, the angels came and ministered to him (Matthew 4:1-11).
The biblical Word of God says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)
FOLLOWING GOD’S WORD WE CAN RESIST THE DEVIL
WHEN TEMPTED WITH OUR WEAKNESSES: Like the devil tempted Jesus, we may be tempted by the devil in different ways with things of the world. However, except for Jesus, we all have arears of weakness that may hinder our being faithful to God’s Word, and inclined us to worldly temptations of the devil–especially when the devil distorts the Word of God. However, the Bible advises us to pray for power of the Holy Spirit as Jesus did, that we may be able to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrew 12:1).
Yet because we have an intercessor with God who was tempted in every way like we are, but without sin; he understands us and is able help in our time of need. (Hebrew 4”15). If we admit our weaknesses, he will help us. And “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” because his Son, Jesus Christ, died on a cross to atone for our sins. (1 John 1:7-9).
WHEN TEMPTED THROUGH PEOPLE: Like the devil tempted Jesus, the devil may use people to sway us away from God purpose. The devil used people, perhaps some who were naïve and other with selfish motives, to “make him king” in the manner of this world (John 6:15); but Jesus said, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Jesus’ kingdom was one in which people must be born again of the Spirit to be a citizen (John 3:3-5). It was one of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Roman 14:17). Jesus was looking forward to sitting on the throne where God had promised: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:10-11).
In trying to divert or attract us away from God’s purpose for our lives, He devil may use various people. These people may be false prophet who seek to draw away followers to themselves for personal gain. They may be acquaintances, coworkers, friends, family and others with good intentions; or who want to appear as wise counselors. They may encourage you to pursue success and prosperity in ways contrary to God’s Word. Some may suggest you lie, cheat and step on others to get ahead, in what they may call “a-dog-eat-dog” world. However, God says: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).
The Word of God; says: “Submit to God” and he will give you “the crown of life.” (James 4:7; 1:12). “Resist the devil” and sin which “brings forth death.” (James 4:7; 1:15). Follow Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. For he is our Savior and Lord–“the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
