READ: James 4 (Focus vs. 1-10)
MEMORY VERSE
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
BACKGROUND
After years of struggle and crying out in prayer, Frank quit drinking. He attributes his continued sobriety to God’s work in his life. But he also made some important changes.
He no longer kept alcohol in the house, watched for warning signs in his thinking and moods, and was wary of certain situations. He leaned on God and knew not to leave an opening for temptation or sin.
“Be alert and of sober mind,” the apostle Peter warned. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Peter knew we needed to be watchful because the devil’s attacks are often unexpected—when it seems like our life couldn’t be better, or we think we’d never be tempted in a certain area.
James too warned his readers to submit to God and “resist the devil.” When we do, our enemy “will flee” (James 4:7). The best way to resist him is to stay close to God through prayer and time in Scripture. When we do, God comes near to us (v. 8) through His Spirit (Romans 5:5).
James also offered this encouragement: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
We all face challenging moments in life when we’re tempted and struggle. We can rest knowing that God wants us to succeed and overcome. He is with us in our troubles.
Alyson Kieda
INSIGHT
In addition to the admonitions of Peter (1 Peter 5:8) and James (James 4:7) regarding spiritual vigilance in resisting temptation, Paul also had something to say about it.
After noting how the Israelites had succumbed to temptation in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-11), he warned the Corinthians:
“If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful . . . . When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (vv. 12-13).
The apostle lists two examples of how the “way out” can sometimes involve fleeing. He says we’re to “flee from idolatry” (v. 14) and “sexual immorality” (6:18). The Holy Spirit helps us to succeed in overcoming temptation.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
When do you seem to be more susceptible to temptation? How has God helped you in those times?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…the devil’s attacks are often unexpected—when it seems like our life couldn’t be better, or we think we’d never be tempted in a certain area… We can rest knowing that God wants us to succeed and overcome. He is with us in our troubles.”
PR’s TAKE
When we give the devil an Inch, He will take a Foot; a Foot a Yard; a Yard a Mile; a Mile a Journey; a Journey a Life. Pr
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:1-12
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me draw near to You instead of pulling away. I need Your daily guidance to keep me on the right path.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SHAKE THE DEVIL OFF” Dorothy Norwood
Shake shake shake
Shake the devil off
Shake shake shake
Shake the devil off
Shake shake shake
Shake the devil off
In the name of Jesus
Shake the devil off
Don’t let him ride,
He might want to drive
Don’t let him get you down,
Put you on the ground
He’s out there seeking,
Whom he may devour
But you’ve got to rebuke him
Shake him a-loose somehow!
He’s under my feet
Shake the devil off
He’s under my feet
Shake the devil off
He’s under my feet
Shake the devil off
In the name of Jesus
Shake the devil off.
In the name of Jesus
Shake the devil off.
