Topical Bible: The Devil: Saints: should Resist

◄ The Devil: Saints: should Resist ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of resisting the devil is a significant theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the spiritual battle that believers face against evil forces. The Bible provides clear instructions and encouragement for saints to stand firm against the devil's schemes.

Biblical Exhortations to Resist the Devil

1. James 4:7 · "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse underscores the importance of submission to God as a prerequisite for resisting the devil. The promise is that when believers resist, the devil will flee, highlighting the power of standing firm in faith.

2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 · "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." Here, the apostle Peter warns of the devil's active pursuit of believers and calls for vigilance and steadfastness in faith. The communal aspect of resistance is emphasized, as believers are encouraged by the shared experience of the global church.

3. Ephesians 6:11-13 · "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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." The apostle Paul provides a vivid metaphor of spiritual armor, equipping believers to withstand the devil's attacks. The passage highlights the spiritual nature of the battle and the necessity of divine protection.

The Nature of Resistance

Resistance to the devil involves both defensive and offensive strategies. Defensively, believers are called to be vigilant, sober-minded, and equipped with the armor of God. Offensively, they are to actively stand firm in their faith, using the Word of God as a weapon against temptation and deception.

The Role of Faith and Community

Faith is central to resisting the devil. It is through faith that believers can stand firm, as seen in 1 Peter 5:9. The community of believers also plays a crucial role, providing support and encouragement. The shared experience of suffering and resistance strengthens the resolve of individual saints.

The Promise of Victory

The Bible assures believers of victory over the devil through resistance. James 4:7 promises that the devil will flee when resisted, and Ephesians 6:13 assures that believers will stand firm when equipped with God's armor. This victory is not achieved through human strength but through reliance on God's power and provision.

In summary, the call for saints to resist the devil is a call to spiritual vigilance, faith, and reliance on God's strength. Through submission to God, the use of spiritual armor, and the support of the Christian community, believers are empowered to stand against the devil's schemes and secure the promise of victory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... and who should fix the terms of salvation, but he ... let the world, the flesh, or the
devil speak against a ... and will one day justify the diligence of the saints. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day
... THE INNER WAY SERMON XXVII All Saints' Day, or St ... much inclined, that it is most
needful he should exercise himself ... so that he may not give place to the Devil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvii all saints day.htm

An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... not even any relics of these saints should remain, their ... For it was for them the
devil had prepared ... exceedingly confident that no one would resist the royal ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm

Pride and Humility
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... right, found himself, to his surprise and
disappointment, only a devil. ... excuses and plain reasons, why they should not take ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxiii pride and humility.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... be diligent in secret prayer, and, perhaps, the devil may have ... he gives should have
its test, should glorify his ... in the world for sinners, but not for saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... mighty angel shall stand and guard my dust, and contend for its possession with
the devil. Why should I fear ... Now, notice the insignia and regalia of the saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... the Lord, I had now been blessed among the saints.". ... or to suffer death a hundred
times over: should I not ... and were mere volunteers in the service of the devil. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

Of Holy Prayer
... both good men in this world and the saints in heaven to ... to wit, by divers temptations,
which the devil putteth in ... But if he should leave the battle for fear of ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xi of holy prayer.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... God has commanded it; the devil, flesh and ... invent more pilgrimages, elevations of
saints, indulgence-fairs ... right or wrong, we should resist, become disobedient ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

On Books
... How it should make us reverence the Bible, the ... Why is it that neither angels, nor
saints, nor evil ... by which Christ's messengers, and the devil's messengers too ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxiv on books.htm