10/07/2025
*Preacher: Evangelist W,Sipo*
*Sermon Title: “The Power of Surrender and Resistance”*
*Text: James 4:7*
> *“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”*
In a world full of noise, temptations, and spiritual battles, James gives us a powerful two-part instruction:
*Submit to God* and *resist the devil*.
This verse contains both a *posture of humility* and a *position of authority*. One without the other is incomplete. True victory in the Christian life comes when we align ourselves under God’s authority—and stand boldly against the enemy.
*1. Submit to God: The Posture of Power*
Submission is not weakness. In fact, in the kingdom of God, *submission is strength*.
To submit to God means:
* Surrendering your *will* for His will.
* Yielding your *plans*, your *timing*, and your *pride*
* Trusting His way even when you don’t understand His why.
🗣️ Jesus submitted fully to the Father, even unto death. *“Not my will, but Yours be done.”* (Luke 22:42)
What does submission look like?
* Obedience to the Word of God.
* Prayerful dependence.
* Daily repentance.
* A lifestyle of worship.
🔥 When we submit, we invite God's presence and authority into our lives.
*2. Resist the Devil: The Fight of Faith**
The second command is to *resist the devil*.
You can’t resist if you’re already entertaining him.
You can’t fight if you’ve already compromised.
🛑 To resist means to stand firm, to push back, to say, “*Not today, Satan*”
Paul echoes this in *Ephesians 6:11**: *“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”*
How does the devil come?
* Through **temptation** – like with Eve in the garden.
* Through **discouragement** – making you doubt your worth.
* Through **distraction** – drawing you away from your calling.
💪 But here's the promise: “He will flee from you.”
When you resist in the authority of Christ, the devil doesn’t just back off—he run.
3. The Order Matters: Submission Before Resistance
Many try to resist the devil without first submitting to God. That’s a recipe for frustration.
➡️ It is your submission to God* that gives your *resistance its power,
Think of it this way: You’re not strong because of your own willpower—you’re strong because you’re under God’s covering.
Like a soldier under command, your authority comes from the one you serve.
Living in Victory
James 4:7 is not just a memory verse. It’s a *strategy for spiritual victory*.
✅ Submit to God — every day, every choice, every part of your life.
✅ Resist the devil — don’t give him space, don’t play with sin.
✅ Stand in the confidence that **he will flee**, not because of you, but because of who you’re submitted to.
PRAYER
Father, today we choose to submit ourselves fully to You. Take control of our hearts, our thoughts, our decisions. Give us the courage and discernment to resist the devil’s schemes. Thank You for the victory that comes through Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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