Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "resist" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from opposing evil and temptation to standing firm against adversaries. The term is often associated with spiritual warfare, moral integrity, and the believer's duty to uphold righteousness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, resistance is frequently depicted in the context of opposing evil and injustice. For example, the Israelites were often called to resist the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. In Exodus 23:2, the Israelites are instructed, "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil." This command underscores the importance of resisting societal pressures that lead away from God's commandments. The Psalms also reflect a theme of resistance, particularly in the face of wickedness. Psalm 1:1-2 contrasts the blessed man who resists the counsel of the wicked with those who follow sinful paths: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor set foot on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of resistance is often linked to spiritual warfare and the believer's struggle against sin and Satan. James 4:7 provides a clear directive: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse highlights the dual action of submission to God and active resistance against the devil as essential for spiritual victory. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, emphasizes the need for believers to stand firm against spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:13-14 states, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." Moral and Ethical Resistance Resistance in the Bible is not limited to spiritual adversaries but extends to moral and ethical challenges. Believers are called to resist conforming to worldly standards and instead be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). This resistance is a proactive stance, requiring discernment and commitment to God's truth. The Apostle Peter also addresses the need for resistance in the face of persecution and suffering. In 1 Peter 5:8-9, he exhorts believers: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering." Practical Application The biblical call to resist is both a personal and communal endeavor. It involves individual believers taking a stand against sin in their own lives and the collective body of Christ resisting societal pressures that contradict biblical values. This resistance is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to discern truth, reject falsehood, and live in obedience to God's Word. In summary, the biblical concept of resistance is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, moral, and ethical dimensions. It is a call to stand firm in faith, oppose evil, and uphold righteousness in every aspect of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To stand against; to withstand; to obstruct.2. (v. t.) To strive against; to endeavor to counteract, defeat, or frustrate; to act in opposition to; to oppose. 3. (v. t.) To counteract, as a force, by inertia or reaction. 4. (v. t.) To be distasteful to. 5. (v. i.) To make opposition. 6. (n.) A substance used to prevent a color or mordant from fixing on those parts to which it has been applied, either by acting mechanically in preventing the color, etc., from reaching the cloth, or chemically in changing the color so as to render it incapable of fixing itself in the fibers.. The pastes prepared for this purpose are called resist pastes. Greek 498. antitasso -- to range in battle against, to set oneself ... ... against. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: antitasso Phonetic Spelling: (an-tee-tas'-som-ahee) Short Definition: I set myself against, resist Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/498.htm - 8k 436. anthistemi -- to set against, ie withstand 478. antikathistemi -- to set down against, ie to replace, oppose 496. antipipto -- to fall against, strive against 480. antikeimai -- to lie opposite, ie oppose, withstand 503. antophthalmeo -- to look in the face, look straight at 464. antagonizomai -- to struggle against 4911. sunephistemi -- to place over, rise together 2313. theomacheo -- to fight against God. 471. anteipon -- to speak against Strong's Hebrew 7853. satan -- to be or act as adversary... be an adversary, resist. A primitive root; to attack, (figuratively) accuse -- (be an) adversary, resist. 7852, 7853. satan. 7854 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7853.htm - 6k 2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen 5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand 4784. marah -- to be contentious or rebellious 5048. neged -- in front of, in sight of, opposite to Library April 4. "Resist the Devil and He Will Flee" (James iv. 7). To those who Resist the Law of Christ the Living God. Whether Anything Can Resist the Order of the Divine Government? How He Resolved to Resist the Devil. How one Should Resist Temptations and Bear Trials Seventh Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Resist Sin. Celsus, Moreover, Unable to Resist the Miracles which Jesus is ... Progress under Obedience. Her Inability to Resist the Graces of ... But the Power, not the Will, to Resist, Failed Ithacius... Custom is Indeed in Everything Hard to Resist. ... Thesaurus Resist (23 Occurrences)... fibers.. The pastes prepared for this purpose are called resist pastes. Multi-Version Concordance Resist (23 Occurrences). Matthew ... /r/resist.htm - 13k Resisting (4 Occurrences) Oppose (29 Occurrences) Cheek (9 Occurrences) Stiffnecked (9 Occurrences) Stiff-necked (18 Occurrences) Isaiah (64 Occurrences) Quite (55 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Opposition (22 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to resist the devil, and why will resistance cause the devil to flee? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome temptation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.org Resist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Resist (23 Occurrences)Matthew 5:39 Luke 21:15 Acts 6:10 Acts 7:51 Romans 9:19 Romans 13:2 Ephesians 6:13 2 Timothy 3:8 Hebrews 12:4 James 4:7 James 5:6 1 Peter 5:5 1 Peter 5:9 Judges 2:14 2 Kings 10:4 2 Chronicles 13:7 2 Chronicles 13:8 Proverbs 28:4 Ecclesiastes 4:12 Isaiah 1:20 Daniel 11:15 Daniel 11:32 Zechariah 3:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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