Getting close to God is essential for spiritual growth; the author of the book of Hebrews encourages the believer to draw close to God. “Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.” Hebrews 10:22a (NLT) In James 4:7-8, the Apostle James gives us the requirements needed to draw closer to God. He writes the following:

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NASB)

The first requirement was submission to the will of God for your life; His will not ours. The second requirement is to resist the devil! “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (vs. 7)

To resist is to stand against or to withstand. As believers, we are assaulted daily by temptation and the desire to yield to our flesh, but we must resist. Remember, desire and temptation are not sins, but yielding to the desire and temptation is sin; and sin drives a wedge between you and God.

Resist and you will overcome.

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott