This verse seems to be quite simple, yet there are those who have made it complicated. Of course, the context lies within the understanding of the previous verses in which the believers have committed themselves to following after their own lustful desires. The basic issue at hand is the thought of fulfilling one’s own desires and putting God’s will into second place.
James admonishes the believer to “Submit to God” as an imperative – a command. The word “submit” translates the Greek word “hupotássō” indicating an arrangement – to place under and in an orderly fashion. It is a military term indicating proper alignment in an organized manner. It is used by the Apostle Peter in I Peter 5.5, “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.” There it translates both “submit” and “be subject.” While having the younger submitting to the elder may suggest someone inferior submitting to someone of a higher position, it speaks more strongly about showing deference toward each other. That thought is supported by the fact that Peter maintains with his commandment for each one to be subject to another.
In the case of the believer submitting himself to God, there is the idea of being properly arranged under His authority – as a private in the army is arranged under a sergeant. When the believer is properly aligned with God, he is not only following a right path, but he is also avoiding sinful thoughts and activities.
James makes a statement that many have taken as an absolute truth with a singular application. He says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1.14) While it is true that every man is tempted by his own lusts, and those lusts draw him away into sinning, it is not true that this is the only method of temptation which leads to sinning. James indicates clearly that the Devil is also an active advocate attempting to draw believers away from following after God. Should Satan and his allies not be involved, James never would have made a statement requiring the believers to resist him.
The word “resist” is a bit different from “resisteth” used in James 4.6 when speaking of God’s resistance of the proud. God’s resistance of the proud is an aggressive act against those who are arrogant and haughty. There, God actively opposes their pride and takes action against such. Following the command in James 4.7 to submit to God, James enjoins the believer to resist the Devil. The word which translates “resist” is “anthístēmi” – similar, but different. Here, the command is to stand one’s ground with the understanding that God is fighting the battle for us.
No one is able to withstand the onslaughts of the Enemy as he attacks; however, as we commit our ways unto the Lord – allowing Him to fight our battles for us – we find victory as we station ourselves behind God’s almighty hand and allow Him to protect us.
Satan does not flee from someone who stands on their own and according to their own power and ability. Satan does flee as our Savior God sets the battle in array against him and aggressively attacks him.
Only when we are in a right relationship with our heavenly Father do we find victory.
“This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4.6
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