Christ's Authority for Spiritual Protection
Photo image courtesy of Eduardo Ramos for Unsplash
Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
– James 4:7 (ESV)
The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that, “... we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Paul’s declaration is a bold reminder that spiritual forces work against us to redirect our obedience to other actions. As we serve God out of a deep love, Satan interferes in our lives behind the scenes. At times something unseen seems to impede our walk with God. Paul tells us that spiritual warfare is real.
Job is a prime example of this. In Job 1:6-11, Satan approaches God and tauntingly proclaims that Job fears God because God has blessed him with so much—and if God took away those blessings, Job would not live uprightly. God gives Satan permission to influence Job without touching Job himself. Satan then wreaks havoc in Job’s life.
We can learn so much from this short passage! First, here we have a vivid picture of Satan personally challenging God to get to Job. Additionally, Satan abhors Job’s reverence for the Lord. Finally, in spite of Satan’s wiles, it is God who controls what Satan can and cannot do. God’s authority is sure. Satan cannot work without God’s permission.
And Satan also attacks us. Peter reminds us that Satan “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Satan is on the lookout for those whose faith is weak or who are deeply committed to serving God. He wants us to wallow in sin and live in hopelessness. He will do anything to make this happen.
But as followers of Jesus Christ, we have the authority of Christ to resist Satan’s lies. Satan’s actions hold no jurisdiction over us. Scripture repeatedly reminds us of this. For example, when Jesus sends His disciples out to proclaim the Gospel, raise the dead, and cast out demons, He grants His authority over them. “Whoever receives you receives me,” Jesus tells the disciples. (Matthew 10: 8, 40) Philippians 3:10 also proclaims that we believers know Christ and the “power of his resurrection,” a clear sanction of His authority.
This authority and power comes only from the risen Savior, Jesus Christ! It does not come from us; it comes from the Source of all—Jesus Christ. Because Christ has given believers this authority, we can refuse to submit to the enemy. James 4:7 asserts, “Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” What a promise! When we recognize that the enemy of our souls is meddling in our work, ministry, or relationships, we can resist him. When we do, Satan must flee. He has no choice.
Believers, embrace who you are in Christ—a free being who does not need to live in fear of an enemy who wants to distract you from God’s purposes. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!
Questions for Refection:
1. Under what circumstances do you experience spiritual battle? When you are serving Christ? Feeling discouraged?
2. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul encourages us to put on the armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Make it a habit daily to spiritually put on these weapons of warfare. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” Paul reminds us (v. 10).
