"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"
Many misled Christians use this verse to support a supernatural monster a fallen one from heavens abode who rages war against Gods subjects.
Certainly no context is given here in James 4:6,7,8 for such a being.
In what sense will this form of the devil flee from those resisting it? The expression is military in its concept. James has described how lust was warring in the members of the Jewish-Christian community. The only way to conquer such inordinate desires, he suggests, is to view them as a bitter enemy, and so resist them as a soldier would his opponent on the field of battle. Let that be done in faith, and victory is assured.
The devil (be it the lusts of the flesh, or any other form of opposition) will retreat, or flee, leaving the faithful in possession of the field. The Greek word signifies, to range in battle against. It is in the Middle Voice signifying to set oneself against; that is to prepare oneself to resist. The word "flee" is used figuratively of fleeing fornication (1 Cor 6:18), idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14), other evils (1 Tim. 6:11), youthful lusts (2 Tim 2:22). In this fight of faith we are instructed to "arm ourselves" with the mind of Christ (1 Pet. 4:1).
In fighting the lusts ot the devil (flesh), we are instructed to "mortify" or put to death fleshly inclinations. The first move towards that end is to resist the devil (sin in the flesh as per Rom. 7:5, 15-23; Heb. 2:14) with the ultimate objective of putting the lust of the flesh to death entirely (Col 3:5).
Insight
Many misled Christians use this verse to support a supernatural monster a fallen one from heavens abode who rages war against Gods subjects.
Certainly no context is given here in James 4:6,7,8 for such a being.
In what sense will this form of the devil flee from those resisting it? The expression is military in its concept. James has described how lust was warring in the members of the Jewish-Christian community. The only way to conquer such inordinate desires, he suggests, is to view them as a bitter enemy, and so resist them as a soldier would his opponent on the field of battle. Let that be done in faith, and victory is assured.
The devil (be it the lusts of the flesh, or any other form of opposition) will retreat, or flee, leaving the faithful in possession of the field. The Greek word signifies, to range in battle against. It is in the Middle Voice signifying to set oneself against; that is to prepare oneself to resist. The word "flee" is used figuratively of fleeing fornication (1 Cor 6:18), idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14), other evils (1 Tim. 6:11), youthful lusts (2 Tim 2:22). In this fight of faith we are instructed to "arm ourselves" with the mind of Christ (1 Pet. 4:1).
In fighting the lusts ot the devil (flesh), we are instructed to "mortify" or put to death fleshly inclinations. The first move towards that end is to resist the devil (sin in the flesh as per Rom. 7:5, 15-23; Heb. 2:14) with the ultimate objective of putting the lust of the flesh to death entirely (Col 3:5).
Insight