Shut the Enemy Out

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. - James 4:7

And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen - Mark 16:20

Authority goes with responsibility. Many are looking for power for the sake of having power, not realizing that authority always goes with responsibility. Never attempt to exercise authority where you have no responsibility. Lack of this understanding is what breaks some marriages. How can a man exercise authority over the wife without being responsible for the upkeep? Just like in the bible, Jesus dispatched the disciples on a mission, but they did not experience any miracle until they obeyed. No sign followed the disciples until they 'did the going'. Beloved, signs always follow obedience.

As long as you are a child of God, you are no longer under the oppression of the devil and he can't attack you unless you permit him through your ignorance or carelessness. When the message of grace saved you, Satan's sin could no longer lord over you because you have a new Lord (Jesus). Hence, you are forever delivered from Satan's kingdom of darkness. The victory of Jesus over Satan is also your victory and you have authority in the name of Jesus to resist the devil. Because Satan is no longer your master, he has no legal/moral right to order you around. Believers have the authority to resist the devil.

It is important to note that along with our authority in the name of Jesus to resist Satan (based on James 4:7), comes our responsibility to always keep the door closed against the devil. There is a responsibility on your part to jealously guard the door of your life.

Thank God for His divine protection yet, we close the door of our residence against intruders. Keeping your door closed does not mean you do not trust God for protection; it means you are alive to your responsibility. God has the power to keep any enemy from coming but you also have a part to play: keep your door shut; give no room for the devil. Along with your authority in the name of Jesus to resist Satan, you have the responsibility to keep the door closed to the devil.