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I. THE FOE.

1. His power. Can suggest ideas to the mind. Inflame the evil desires of the soul.

2. His diligence. Continually going about as roaring lion. If repulsed a hundred times, he tries again.

3. His malice. Envies all human happiness.

4. His policy. Crafty and subtle.

5. His experience. Has long studied human nature, and practised the art of deceiving mankind.

II. THE FIGHT. "Resist" — not dispute. To parley with him is to be conquered.

1. General orders.

(1)  Be sober. Physically. Mentally. Pride, anger, love of pleasure, incapacitate the soul for this warfare.

(2)  Be vigilant. His time is always ready.

(3)  Be united. Call in all your allies. Stand shoulder to shoulder.

2. Tried weapons.

(1)  Word of God.

(2)  Past experience.

(3)  Earnest prayer.

3. Invincible armour (Ephesians 6:10-18).

III. THE FLIGHT.

1. This promise imports temporary flight. In this life, he flees only to rally his forces and return. But constant resistance, while it strengthens the Christian, weakens the adversary.

2. This promise implies final flight (Romans 16:20). Lessons:

1. A Christian's life is no easy one.

2. A Christian's life is a most blessed one.

(R. A. Griffin.)

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KJV: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

WEB: Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.