Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” That is what we desire, right? For the devil to be far from us. But, please, keep in mind (Romans 8:28) which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

I can’t speak for anyone else but, a lot of the time, if not most of the time...it is my own pride that is being worked on. My own need and desires to be more than God has planned for me to be. Thankfully God knows what is needed. Matthew 5:39 instructs us, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

...but I say unto you, That you resist not evil:..Seems to contradict “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
But consider there is no contradiction if what needs to flee, is pride. Pride, one of the main attributes of the devil. the devil will poke endlessly at that pride to get it to rise up where he wants it. The temptation of pride.

Romans 13:1-3
[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

There is no power but of God. These powers are ordained by God. Whoever resists this power, resists the ordinance of God. They that resist receive to themselves damnation. —damnation is not what we want. But that ugly pride wants us to resist. That ugly pride wants us to resist the ordinances of God.

1 Peter 5:5-7
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

“Submit.” I’ll be honest...I’m not too fond of that word but it is looking more attractive everyday. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,”

Luke 21:15-19
[15] For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. [16] And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. [17] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. [18] But there shall not an hair of your head perish. [19] In your patience possess ye your souls.

Here is the reason for this blog post: “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
The word “possess”.
Possess ye your souls.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Pride will flee, and with it the devil. Proverbs 25:27-28
[27] It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. [28] He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Don’t let the devil rile up pride, but instead remember God is working all things for His good purpose. James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. [9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. [10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 5:6-7
[6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. [7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

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VictoryinJesus
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