Chapter 19 of 31

archangel, when contending with the devil ... said, The Lord rebuke

archangel, when contending with the devil ... said, The Lord rebuke

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emergency, be reminded by the Holy Spirit of the word in one verse or several verses which can become our present refuge. It is as if we are hiding there, and in trusting the power of God's word we find the Enemy rendered powerless. The Scripture word which the Holy Spirit reminds us of increases our strength and courage, because every word of God is full of power: it is living and effective. We therefore ought to keep God's word fully in our heart—thus preventing Satan from any gain and defeating him completely.

4. Resist the Devil with our will. There is a will in us which is like our helm. If we use our will, saying to the Devil, "I do not permit you to enter into my heart, I will not give this right to you," then he will draw back from us. Do you acknowledge that this is the state and condition of your will? Otherwise, the reverse will be the result. We should obey God on the one hand and resist the Devil on the other. So shall the Enemy flee from us (see James 4.7). For example, if a peddler comes and you will not buy, he will naturally leave you after being resisted. But if you bargain with him for a lower price, you will soon buy this merchandise. Today many Christians lack the will of total resistance towards the Devil. And in thus bargaining with him, they fall into the trap of the Enemy. Resist the Devil with faith (1 Peter 5.8,9). In the power of God, say to Satan, "In the almighty name of the victorious Lord Jesus, I resist you." By assuming this attitude of faith and having resisted, we will find God causing Satan to flee according to His word. Praise God, Satan has fled, and you are more than conquerors through the Lord who loved us. When Satan came to tempt the Lord, our Lord gave no ground to him but immediately resisted and rebuked him (Matt. 16.23). We should be alert towards the Devil and firm in our word of resistance.

5. Ask God and do not reason with the Devil. "Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil ... said, The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 9). Many believers do not ask God to rebuke Satan as soon as the latter moves; they instead listen to him and reason with his plot. In such a circumstance as that, they can hardly resist. It is

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