Spiritual warfare can be summed up in one powerful verse:
James 4:7 (KJV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
This scripture captures the heart of effective spiritual warfare. It’s not just about resisting the devil, nor is it just about submitting to God—both are necessary for lasting deliverance and victory.
Why Submission and Resistance Must Work Together
You cannot have true victory over demonic attacks if you submit without resisting, or resist without submitting. Here’s why:
- Submission without resistance means the enemy is not actively being pushed back. He may linger and return quickly.
- Resistance without submission is spiritually dangerous. Without God’s covering, you’re exposed—just like the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:
Acts 19:13–16 (KJV)
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus…
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them… so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Their failure wasn’t in their words—it was in their lack of submission and spiritual authority.
What Does It Mean to Submit to God?
Submitting to God means aligning your life with His Word. If there is sin in your life, confess it and ask for forgiveness. Repentance restores your legal authority in the spirit realm. Without this, your resistance will be weak.
What Does It Mean to Resist the Devil?
Resisting means taking spiritual action. Once you’ve submitted and confessed, speak directly to the enemy. Command the spirit to leave, and back it up with Scripture. Speaking God’s Word is a powerful weapon in your spiritual arsenal.
Example: Battling the Spirit of Fear
- Confession (Submission):
Lord Jesus, I recognize that I’ve been operating in fear. I confess my sins opened the door to this and I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. - Resistance:
Spirit of fear, hear me. God’s Word says He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I command you to leave me now and never return. I reject fear in Jesus’ name!
Speak with conviction—this is not about feelings; it’s about faith and authority.
Personal Testimony: Fear Tried to Hold Me Back
I remember hearing seasoned preachers admit they still felt fear before preaching. That didn’t sit well with me because I knew what the Word of God said.
Then came my turn. One Sunday morning, I was asked to minister. As I prepared to step into the pulpit, a wave of fear washed over me. But in that moment, the Holy Spirit stirred within me. I felt a holy disgust toward that fear, and I rebuked it aloud.
From that day until now, I speak boldly—no matter the size of the audience. That experience proved the truth of James 4:7 in my life.
Spiritual Warfare is Legal Warfare
In a previous article, we explored how Satan accuses us in the courtroom of Heaven. This ties directly into today’s message. Spiritual warfare is legal warfare. You win by:
- Submitting to God — giving Him legal access to fight on your behalf.
- Resisting the devil — exercising the authority God has given you through Christ.
Final Thoughts
Victory in spiritual warfare is not mystical—it’s legal, practical, and powerful. When you submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee—because he must.
⚠️ Important Note:
Some battles may require repeated prayer, fasting, and standing on God’s Word, especially if the enemy has had a stronghold in your life for a long time. This doesn’t mean your deliverance is far off—it means you’re breaking through layer by layer, and your victory is being enforced. Stay persistent, stay submitted, and walk boldly in the authority Christ has given you (Mark 9:29, Luke 10:19).