Resistance is NOT Futile James 4:7,8 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Jm.4:7

Theme Adequate spiritual preparation is the real antidote for the devil’s deceptions. Or… Cling to God and the devil will have no way to get to you!

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Introduction: Proactive Faith vs. Reactive Faith Proactive faith is the practice of preparing for the trials and challenges of life before they ever occur. • The goal is to avoid them completely or learn how to get through them with relative ease. Reactive faith skips adequate preparation and goes directly to the trial or challenge • Users are blindsided and unprepared for the trials or challenges • Users search in vain for quick answers and quick help.

Daily Uses For A Proactive Faith Presentation by a cult member Dealing with a request for a date Responding to a marital crisis Meeting the real needs of a rebellious child Facing a monetary crisis Confronting a health crisis or death 

1. Dealing With The Deceiver 7b Resist the devil, and he will flee from you 1 Peter 5:8-10 Resist him, standing firm in the faith… and the God of all grace… will himself… make you strong, firm and steadfast. Do yourself a favor: Stand your ground The Devil will do himself a favor: he will shrink back and away. 

2. Dealing With The Deliverer Or How To Stand Your Ground

A. TRUST: Whom do you trust? 7a Submit yourselves, then, to God. Believe what He has said (The Bible) Exercise faith in Him (trust Truth) Listen & respond to what He is saying (Holy Spirit) Think on His principles and laws (meditate) Obey His constantly righteous directions (do good) Rely on His counsel (be wise) Live as if He knows more than you ever will (humility) 

B. TIME: Who to do spend time with? 8a Come near to God and he will come near to you. Track Him down in everyday life – see Him around you Talk with Him through prayer Train yourself – with Him – in His Word Tell others about His work in you Take In the lessons of the godly 

Practice!

C. TESTS: What do you do about evil? Evil Actions: 8b Wash your hands, you sinners, Evil Thoughts: 8c and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Evil Reactions: 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Evil Motive: 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 

3. Dealing With The Gift Humble yourself Get grace 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)   Humble yourself Get grace

The Challenge Spend time with God Get His point of view clearly in your mind Stand on that Listen for the Devil’s footsteps going in the opposite direction!