When it comes to resisting and submitting, some people get it backwards. What I mean is, their life is not properly arranged and so they end up resisting what they should submit to and submitting to what they should resist. When Stephen was being opposed as he proclaimed salvation in Christ, he declared. . .
“(51)You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” (Acts 7:51 ESV)
Rather than submitting to the will of God, these continued in a track record of resistance, rejecting the long awaited Messiah by having betrayed and murdered Him. (Acts 7:52) Though they believed their lives were aligned with God, they were actually like those Jesus stated were of their father the devil, because they were carrying out his will rather than God’s. (John 8:44)
James urged. . .
“(7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8 ESV)
Who our life is arranged against and under is extremely important. The word translated “submit” comes from the Greek “hupotasso”, and is a military term meaning “to rank under” (“hupo”, under, and “tasso” to arrange) [source: “Expository Dict. Of N. T. Words”, by W. E. Vine] The word implies being in subjection or submission to. James used this word in the imperative. Submission to God is a must! It is of paramount significance for victory in our life. The word “resist” comes from the Greek “anthistemi”, meaning “to set against (“anti” against, and “histemi” to cause to stand). It is akin to the Greek word “antitasso” with “anti” again being “against” and “tasso” meaning to arrange, originally being a military term for arranging in battle against a foe. [source: W. E. Vine] James also used this word in the imperative.
There is a battle going on and we best be sure our life is arranged under the right leadership. Are we continuing to keep our life ranked under God? If so, we are to remain submissive to His orders as we take our stand against the devil. In the process, James stated we are drawn closer to God while the devil flees from us. To get the submission and resistance backwards would cause us to be separated from God. May we remain diligent in maintaining a life that is arranged against the devil, but under the Sovereign rule of God.
Have a great day MAINTAINING LIFE IN RIGHTEOUS ORDER!
Carl
