Spiritual Warfare Unveiled | How to Resist and Overcome with God's Power (Part 2)

James 4:7 gives Christians a simple but powerful command: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (KJV). This verse reveals two essential parts of spiritual victory: submission to God and resistance to the devil. Both are necessary. Submission gives you the power of God, and resistance causes the devil to flee.

But how do you do this practically? How do you know if you’re successfully resisting the devil? This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, biblical wisdom, and spiritual tools to stand firm in the face of temptation, doubt, and attack.

1. Submit to God First

Resisting the devil is impossible without submission to God. Why? Because your power to resist doesn’t come from yourself; it comes from the authority of Jesus Christ. The devil doesn’t flee because you fight harder—he flees because you are covered by God’s power.

How to Submit Practically:

Daily Prayer: Pray every day, asking God to take control of your thoughts, words, and actions. Tell Him, “Lord, I surrender my will to Yours today.”
Study the Word: Meditate on God’s Word daily. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV). Knowing Scripture strengthens your mind and equips you to resist.
Repent of Sin: Sin gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Close every door to the enemy by confessing sin and turning away from it.
Worship: Worship is one of the strongest acts of submission. When you lift up God’s name, Satan loses power over you. King Saul’s evil spirit left him when David played music in worship (1 Samuel 16:23).

2. Identify the Devil’s Tactics

Satan operates through deception, accusation, and temptation. To resist him, you must understand his strategy. His tactics are predictable, but they still work on those who aren’t alert.

Common Tactics of the Devil:

Deception: Satan twists God’s Word, as seen in Genesis 3:1 when he told Eve, “Hath God said?” Deception causes doubt.
Accusation: Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brethren.” He reminds you of your past sins, hoping to make you feel unworthy.
Temptation: He presents temptation in ways that appeal to the flesh, just as he did with Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

How to Recognize and Counter These Tactics:

Counter Deception: Know and speak the truth of God’s Word. When Satan says, “You’re unworthy,” respond with “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, KJV).
Counter Accusation: Remind yourself that Jesus paid for your sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9, KJV).
Counter Temptation: Don’t argue with temptation. Flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18) and use Scripture to resist, just like Jesus did in Matthew 4.

3. Resist the Devil Using Scripture

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He didn’t argue or negotiate. Instead, He said, “It is written…” and quoted Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10). This shows us that the Word of God is a weapon.

How to Use the Word as a Weapon:

Memorize Key Verses: Store verses in your heart that address fear, temptation, anxiety, and doubt.
Speak the Word Out Loud: When you sense an attack, declare God’s Word audibly. Words spoken in faith carry power.
Personalize Scripture: Apply it directly to your situation. Instead of saying, “God has not given us a spirit of fear,” say, “God has not given ME a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV).

4. Stand Firm in Faith

Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (KJV). Faith is like a shield. It blocks Satan’s attacks, especially doubt, fear, and discouragement.

How to Strengthen Your Faith:

Pray in Faith: Pray with confidence that God will act. James 1:6-7 says to ask with faith, not doubt.
Surround Yourself with Believers: Fellowship strengthens faith, as “iron sharpeneth iron” (Proverbs 27:17, KJV).
Remember Past Victories: Look back at the times God delivered you. This reminds you that He is faithful.

5. Put on the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 describes six pieces of spiritual armor that every Christian needs to resist the devil. Without this armor, you’re defenseless.

Belt of Truth: Honesty and integrity protect you from lies.
Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteous living protects your heart.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Stay ready to share the Gospel and stand firm in peace.
Shield of Faith: Blocks doubt, fear, and attacks on your confidence.
Helmet of Salvation: Protects your mind from doubt and hopelessness.
Sword of the Spirit: This is the Word of God. Unlike defensive armor, this is an offensive weapon.

How to Put on the Armor:

Pray each morning, “Lord, I put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness,” and so on.
Meditate on the purpose of each piece of armor and how it protects you.
Be ready to “unsheathe” the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) whenever you sense attack.

6. Avoid the Devil’s Strongholds

Satan works through strongholds—unrepentant sins, negative thought patterns, and unresolved wounds. A stronghold is a “fortress” where the devil hides and operates in your life.

How to Break Strongholds:

Repent of Sin: If sin exists in your life, confess it and turn from it.
Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Replace lies with truth.
Remove Temptations: Remove objects, entertainment, or environments that trigger sin.

7. Rely on the Holy Spirit

Without the Holy Spirit, you are powerless. Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8, KJV). The Holy Spirit gives you the ability to resist sin, understand Scripture, and walk in victory.

How to Walk in the Spirit:

Pray Daily for a Fresh Filling: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each day.
Listen for Conviction: If the Spirit convicts you of sin, confess it.
Develop Spiritual Discernment: Discernment helps you recognize spiritual attacks early.

8. Endure the Trial (Patience in Resistance)

Spiritual attacks aren’t always over in a moment. Some require endurance. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life” (KJV).

How to Endure Temptation:

Resist Repeatedly: The devil may flee, but he often returns (Luke 4:13). Stay ready.
Don’t Rely on Feelings: Victory isn’t always “felt.” Stand on God’s promises, not emotions.
Focus on the Reward: James 1:12 promises a crown of life to those who endure.

Conclusion

To “resist the devil” means to submit fully to God, stand firm in faith, use the Word as a weapon, wear the armor of God, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not a one-time action but a daily battle. Victory is guaranteed for those who stand firm.

The Bible assures us, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17, KJV). Stand on this truth, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). Even if the attack lasts for a season, God will sustain you. Victory belongs to those who endure.