Satan is a defeated foe, with a crushed head. There is no power in him, nor are there any means available to him to reach and unseat the Victor of Calvary now seated at the right hand of the Father. It is not for us to fight for victory. Our fight is from victory; and from this vantage point, empowered with Christ’s might, and completely enclosed in the whole armor of God, the power of evil are compelled to back off as we resist them. -Arthur Mathews.
God does not need you to defeat the devil because Jesus has already done that. He has given us the victory banner to wave above our heads. But we are required to do our part.
Every time God gave the Israelites land, they were required to do something. Whether it was the physical act of engaging in war, or blowing trumpets, smashing clay pots, or simply walk into the battle, they had to believe God had already delivered them. Whatever area, they had to submit to God’s plan and walk out in faith.
God has given land to all of us.
For some of you, this may be land you are to take possession of, whether it’s winning souls at work, praying for a future spouse, or something He has laid on your heart. Others are already occupying land but, like the Israelites, you have to defend it because the enemy will try to invade. Perhaps it’s a rocky marriage, a wayward child, or a friend who’s falling apart.
So as victorious Christians, what are we responsible for? What is God asking us to do in either possessing or defending our land?
In James 4:7-8, we read Submit yourselves, then, to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
In this one sentence, we have the battle plan. God is a God of order, and that includes the order in which things are written.
SUBMIT to God, RESIST the devil, he will FLEE.
Until we fully submit to God and turn our eyes to Him, we cannot resist the enemy’s army.
Submit – abide in His presence; agree with His ways; bend our desires and “rights”, and surrender our outcome to Him before we can…
Resist – withstand the enemy’s darts of deception; oppose his doubtful blows; refuse his lies, and fight his schemes.
The word “submit” is used in military terms to mean “to arrange troop divisions in a military fashion under the command of a leader.” Friends, we have to organize our lives in a military fashion under our Commander in Chief. When we do, we receive the direction, support, and strength of heaven’s army. God’s ultimate goal in allowing us to go through trials is to make us like Christ.
As we approach Easter Sunday, what a fitting time to discuss His obedience, His submission. EVERYTHING Jesus did, everything He said, pointed back to the Father. In John 5:19, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 Then, the angels came and strengthened Him. You see, when we submit, when we say not my will but yours, He strengthens us. He gives us the strength we need to face the next step. At that moment, Jesus his will on the cross. Obedience hung on display for the world to see AND receive.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
How do we worship in spirit and submit as Jesus did?
- The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:6-7
- Spirit-controlled mind = life and peace
- Flesh controlled mind = hostile to God, which cannot submit to God
- I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present SUBMIT your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
- Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
- Be sober-minded; be watchful. 1 Peter 5:8
How do we become sober-minded, Spirit Controlled?
- By taking every thought captive to obey Christ
- We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Our thoughts must become obedient to Christ! In doing so, you are not giving the devil a foothold.
PRESS IN
- Identify the land you need to possess or defend. What does that look like?
- Are there areas you have not fully submitted to the Father?
- Do you see the enemy gaining a foothold in any of these areas?
- Because we serve the Commander in Chief, we have the direction and strength we need to possess or defend our land. Spend some time talking to the Father about those areas. Journal your thoughts.
I’d love to hear from you! If you need prayer, leave a comment. We are here to encourage one another!
Other parts of the series
I have no idea how I stumbled upon your site/blog/teachings, Esther 🙂 I completely attribute it to a divine intervention. A Divine appointment. Thank you so very much. On this particular date, the pre Easter message is spot and echoes what I am receiving from current self studies, and my Pastors teachings. There are no coincidences in our Father’s world.
Chris Beard
Awe, Christina, I’m so glad God brought you to the site!! You are so right, there are no coincidences. When that was written, He had you in mind! Such a blessing to hear it’s now ministering to you. Keep listening for those holy echoes!
Hi Esther, I have been following your blog for several years, taking advantage of all of your freebies, and recently purchased your Prayer Journal. I realized this morning that I have never said thank you! I just want you to know what an encouragement you are and how God is really using you. Thank you for your faithful service!
Laurie, thank you so much for your encouragement and gratitude!! Thank you for faithfully following along these years and supporting the ministry!!