A Strategy for Sure Victory

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“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.“ (James 4:7) English Standard Version (ESV)

Obedience to God and being submissive to whatever He wants for our lives are the keys to overcome whatever the world and the devil throw against us.

“Victory over the devil” - we often hear this phrase in Christian circles.

James 4:7 provides a strategy for complete victory in this spiritual war.

The strategy is simple.

First, we are to submit to God. Submission is obedience. Submission is avoiding sin and embracing God’s righteousness or His right way of doing things as written in His Word – the Bible. Submission is accepting God’s plan for our lives and following His direction for our future.

Submission to God’s sovereignty includes receiving end employing the empowerment or anointing of the Holy Spirit.

We can resist Satan only if we have authority to use this power and know how to use it in the Name of Jesus.

The koine Greek word “resist” in James 4:7 means to “withstand, strive against or oppose in some manner.” It comes from the Greek word "anthístēmi" which means to “take a complete stand against” or a “contrary position” and “refusing to be moved.”

Christians are to take a determined defensive stand against the wiles of Satan as if preparing to engage in a battle. No one goes to war without proper armor.

Ephesians 6:10-18 explains what the armor is.

The Whole Armor of God

^“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evilin the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:10-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

The offensive weapon used in spiritual warfare is a Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God – the Bible.

Using Scriptures is the means of gaining victory over the attacks of Satan. Even the Lord Jesus quoted Scriptures to thwart the Devils temptations.

When we take a strong spiritual stand with God on our side, Satan has no other option but to flee.

The Greek word for ‘flee’ is the word "pheugō" which is the root word for "fugitive."

Whenever this word is used in scripture it is often used to describe someone fleeing for his life. The word connotes terror that the pursued will perish if he does not escape. It is to seek safety by flight and to escape out of danger.

As born-again Christians, knowing our power and authority by submission before the Lord help us understand how dangerous we have become when we stand against the attacks of the devil.

When we raise our voice, quote Scriptures and brandish the Word of God like a sword, as it really is, we take authority over all situations in life “in the Name of Jesus.”

When we as Christians, children of the Most High God, pick up the Bible, the Word of God, and prepare for spiritual battle, Satan knows he cannot have the victory, and so he runs for his life, rather than experience humiliating defeat.

In this spiritual war, there are no fence-sitters – you are either on the Lords’ victorious army or on the wicked “Powers” of Satan.

Ensure you are listed with the victorious army of the Lord. Settle that sin issue right now by saying this prayer:

“Father God, I confess I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You.

I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and live a new life pleasing to You.

Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.

I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.

I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward.

Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. Thank you, Lord, that according to Your Word, I am born again. I promise to obey You and study your Word – the Bible.

Use me for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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