In the pursuit of spiritual freedom, the journey often involves a multifaceted approach. Having traversed the stages of removal, recognition, responsibility, repentance, and renouncement, the time has come to explore the crucial sixth step: Resist. This pivotal phase plays a significant role in safeguarding the newfound freedom from the relentless enemy who scrutinizes our lives with an intimate knowledge of our family trees. In this exploration, we will delve into the principles of resistance, drawing inspiration from the scriptures to build a foundation that empowers believers to stand firm against the adversary.

Read Part 5: Breaking Free From Sin - The Power Of Removal

Resisting through Submission

The initial step in resisting lies in submitting oneself to God, a concept deeply embedded in the wisdom of James 4:7.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

The scripture encourages believers to submit to God, resisting the devil, who then flees from them. This submission involves drawing near to God, cleansing hands, and purifying hearts. The process entails recognizing the indwelling presence of sin, taking responsibility, repenting, renouncing, removing, and ultimately resisting through a close connection with the divine.

Foundational Principles from Corinthians

The principles of resistance find their roots in the teachings of Corinthians. As articulated in 2 Corinthians 10:5, believers are called to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ. This crucial understanding empowers individuals to recognize the enemy's tactics and withstand the recurrence of past challenges.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

Discernment of Good and Evil

Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the importance of mature believers exercising their senses to discern both good and evil.

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14

In this journey, understanding the nature of evil becomes essential. While some may shy away from discussing evil, 2 Corinthians 2:11 cautions against ignorance of Satan's devices, urging believers to confront and cast down anything that contradicts God's nature and word.

in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:11

Overcoming Laziness in the Church

The resistance to the enemy requires proactive engagement from the church. Addressing the issue of spiritual laziness, believers are reminded to work out their salvation daily with fear and trembling, fostering a commitment to transformation and renewal.

The Return of the Unclean Spirit

Matthew 12:43-45 paints a vivid picture of the unclean spirit returning to assess whether the house is empty after its removal. This scripture underscores the importance of active resistance even after initial deliverance, highlighting the necessity of continuous obedience to God for a lasting victory.

When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
Matthew 12:43-45

Next Post: Rejoice!

As believers navigate the terrain of spiritual freedom, the sixth step - Resist - emerges as a critical phase. Grounded in the principles of submission, discernment, and proactive engagement, resistance becomes the linchpin in the battle against the enemy. The scriptures provide a roadmap for believers to stand firm, recognizing the need for continuous obedience and vigilance. In the upcoming exploration, we will unravel the seventh key to freedom - Rejoice.