This post is Day 20 in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

James – Day 20

There is no point in wearing the belt of truth and knowing that Jesus is Lord, if we do not walk in peace. We cannot expect the enemy to run from us if we are not carrying the shield of faith which will resist the fiery darts he throws us.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The Thought

This is the answer to the discussions of the last couple of days. It is also the answer to much of today’s political discussions!

There are two specific steps here, the first is the most important. We really can achieve nothing in trying to fight the enemy unless we are submitted to God. If there is no submission, (really wanting Jesus to be Lord of our daily lives) then the enemy already has a claim on us and the right to operate in the things we do.

Once submitted to the Lord, we clothe ourselves in His armour (Ephesians 6:10-16) and stand firm against anything the enemy tries to throw at us. Paul tells the Ephesian church: Put on the FULL armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand (emphasis mine). There is no point in wearing the belt of truth and knowing that Jesus is Lord, if we don’t walk in peace. We cannot expect the enemy to run from us if we are not carrying the shield of faith which will resist the fiery darts he throws at us.

The only way to know what God would want us to do in any situation is to become familiar with the Bible.

Regular Bible reading is essential to find the good advice that Jesus gives, and it is the best way to keep satan from bothering us.

Satan hates it when we pray, and he hates it more when we pray aloud. He cannot tell what you are thinking, but he can tell when you are praying.

Action

Praise God for the power of His Word, for His protection, and His example.

Allow Jesus to reveal any areas of your life which are not totally submitted to Him. Pray for His help to submit, and His strength to resist the devil.