RESIST HIM: o antistete (2PAAM): (Lu 4:3-12; Ep 4:27; 6:11-13; Js 4:7)

Resist (436) (anthistemi  from anti = against + histemi = to cause to stand) is literally to stand or set against.  To set one's self against. To withstand.

Anthistemi means to arrange in battle against and so pictures a face to face confrontation. It means to set one's self against, to stand firm against someone else's onset, to oppose (place opposite or against), to resist by actively opposing pressure or power, to withstand (oppose with firm determination). It involves not only a psychological attitude but also a corresponding behavior. It was used to refer to an army arranging in battle against the enemy force and so to array against.

The aorist imperative is a command for the readers to resist now, to resist effectively! It is urgent!

There are the 14 NT uses of anthistemi translated: cope with(1), oppose(1), opposed(5), opposing(1), resist(5), resists(2)....

Matthew 5:39 (note) "But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Luke 21:15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

Acts 6:10 And yet they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

Acts 13:8 But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Romans 9:19 (note) You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?"

Romans 13:2 (note) Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

Galatians 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

Ephesians 6:13 (note) Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

2 Timothy 3:8 (note) And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected as regards the faith.

2 Timothy 4:15 (note) Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:9 (note) But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

Wuest comments that "resist" (anthistemi) means

means “to withstand, to be firm against someone else’s onset” rather than “to strive against that one.” The Christian would do well to remember that he cannot fight the devil. The latter was originally the most powerful and wise angel God created. He still retains much of that power and wisdom as a glance down the pages of history and a look about one today will easily show. While the Christian cannot take the offensive against Satan, yet he can stand his ground in the face of his attacks. Cowardice never wins against Satan, only courage. (Bolding added) (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)

Richison writes that anthistemi 

is a term of defense, not offense. The Christian must build fortifications against the Devil. The Christian is at war. We should establish bulwarks of faith against our enemy. We resist by obeying the commands of verse eight. We would do well to remember that we cannot fight the Devil in ourselves. (Richison, G: Today's Word)

God commands us to forsake the world, deny the lusts of the flesh and resist the devil. Satan’s desire is to tempt believers to doubt, to deny, to disregard, and to disobey God.

Flee from idolatry 1Cor 10:14

Notice that every use of flee in these passages is in the present imperative and thus is a command to continuously flee. The believer is never instructed to flee from the Devil but to resist him!

Constable adds that

"Whereas God commands us to forsake the world and deny the lusts of the flesh we should resist the devil. Satan’s desire is to get the Christian to doubt, to deny, to disregard, and to disobey what God has said." (Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible)

In a parallel passage James  also uses verb anthistemi calling on believers to...

Submit  (line up under - do it now! It is urgent! = aorist imperative) therefore (because God opposes the proud who refuse to submit but gives grace to the humble who willingly, lovingly yield to Him)  to God. Resist (anthistemi - aorist imperative) = take your stand against) the devil and he will flee from you. (Comment: What a paradox - it is the humble man or woman that Satan will flee from, not the one who is filled with pride! People who believe that the Devil is red believe a religious fairy tale. This passage makes it very clear that the Devil is yellow! The Devil is not afraid of us but of our faith. By depending on the Lord the weakest Christian can not only check the Devil but he can vanquish him. It is amazing that God has given Christians the power to resist the greatest creature ever made! The Devil is mighty but not invincible. Some people act as if the Devil is almighty. This is a sad mistake because it defers to him too much. Furthermore, an attitude of indecision and doubt when facing the devil makes him bold and aggressive in his attacks but confronting him with a resolute will and firm confidence in God's promise (that the enemy must flee) unmasks him as a coward. The devil cannot lead a man or woman into sin without the consent of that person's will. As long as the individual's will is submissive to the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit, that person can stand victorious against any deception and seduction the devil might cast his or her way.

Peter uses anthistemi calling on believers to

Humble (aorist imperative - be willing to bow down to Him) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit (aorist imperative), be on the alert (aorist imperative). Your adversary (see word study antídikos), the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist (anthistemi - aorist imperative) him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (See notes  1 Peter 5:6; 5:7; 5:8; 5:9 )

Before we can stand before Satan, we must bow before God. Peter resisted the Lord and ended up submitting to Satan!" (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor)

"when the devil had finished every temptation (of Jesus), he departed from Him until an opportune time." (Lu 4:13).

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome (nikao - come off victorious over) the evil one (the devil and his evil angels). (1Jn 2:14) (Comment: These young men know sound doctrine and so are strong against sin and error because they have His Word in them and are enable to overcome the wiles of the devil, who makes havoc of spiritual children - see note Ephesians 4:14)

You are from God, little children, and have overcome (be victorious over) them; because greater is He who is in you (the Spirit of Christ) than he who is in the world. (the spirit of the devil and his henchmen) (1Jn 4:4). (Comment: The context speaks especially of false doctrine, which the Spirit of God will help the believer discern as error.)

We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him. (1Jn 5:18) (Comment: The word for "touch" means to lay hold of or to grasp in order to harm. Because the believer belongs to God, Satan must operate within God’s sovereignty and cannot function beyond what God allows, as taught for example in Job 2:5. God protects His children and places definite limits on Satan’s influence or power).

A word of caution is in order. A believer should never "discuss" things with the Devil or his minions. Eve made this mistake, and paid for it dearly.

Take your stand on the Word and then you will be able to withstand his attack. Resist the temptation to try special formulas or words directed at the devil or his henchmen. Simply purpose to remain steadfast in the faith, continuing to live in accord with the truth of God’s Word . As the believer feeds on sound doctrine and assimilates it in obedience to God’s truth, Satan is "resisted". Satan is the father of lies and the prince of darkness but God's Truth exposes the enemy's lies and His Light overpowers darkness.

John records that

"the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (did not overpower it)." (Jn 1:5)

The devil is far more intelligent and powerful than we are, so we cannot resist him in the strength of the flesh. Our example in combating Satan is the Lord Jesus who defeated the devil's temptations by citing appropriate passages from God's Word. For example when

"the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Jesus "answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" (Mt 4:3-4).

The devil  in fact is already a defeated foe for Jesus

"partook of (flesh and blood), that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (See note Hebrews 2:14).

However, for personal victory "against the schemes of the devil" in our present circumstances, we must "put on the whole armor of God" (See notes Ephesians 6:11).

FIRM IN [IN YOUR] FAITH: stereoi te pistei: (Lu 22:32; Eph 6:16; 1Ti 6:12; 2Ti 4:7; Heb 11:33)

Firm (4731) (stereos) means stable (firmly established), steadfast or solid like a foundation. In a physical sense this word describes something as firm, hard, solid and compact like a rock. It is used of food adults eat (solid) rather than milk, the former referring to advanced or deeper doctrine.

Stereós is used 4x in NT (1x 2Ti; 2x Heb; 1x 1Pe) and is translated as (firm, 2; solid, 2). There are 14 uses in the LXX (Exod. 37:17, 20; Num. 8:4; Deut. 32:13; 1 Sam. 4:8; Ps. 35:10; Isa. 2:21; 5:28; 17:5; 50:7; 51:1; Jer. 15:18; 30:14; 31:11)

2 Timothy 2:19 (note) Nevertheless, the firm (figuratively = solid, rigid, strong) foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."

Hebrews 5:12 (note) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food...5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

1 Peter 5:9 But resist him, firm (figuratively = steadfast or immovable in one's beliefs) in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

The idea Peter is conveying is that they are to be steadfast (firmly fixed in place, not subject to change) immovable (not moving or not intended to be moved) in their faith.

Christians are to stand firm and unyielding, resisting the devil.

Wuest adds that steadfast ("firm") is

"a military term. Paul uses it in Colossians 2:3 (see note) when he says “beholding your order,” that is, “beholding your solid front or close phalanx.” The Greek phalanx was a body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. Pope has a line, “The Grecian phalanx, moveless (without movement thus picturing their stability and immovability against enemy assaults) as a tower.” The word speaks of solidity in the very mass and body of the thing itself." (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)

J Vernon McGee adds that

"The picture here is of an army standing against an enemy. We should stand with other believers. I do not think you can resist the Devil by yourself. You not only need the armor of God, but you will also need other believers to stand with you. That is the reason that whenever I have need, I let all the listeners to my radio broadcast know about it. I want them to stand with me in prayer—we need to do that." (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson)

Soldiers had to maintain their ranks and formation or the enemy would attack them from the side or from behind.

Using a word related to the adjective stereós, Paul writes to the Colossians that

"even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline (standing shoulder to shoulder in such orderly array) and the stability (the firmness and the solid front) of your faith in Christ." (See note Colossians 2:5) .

Paul actually uses two military terms in this verse, the first "good discipline" (taxis) picturing the Colossian saints arranged like an army in ranks, with each soldier in his proper place prepared for attack. "Stability" (stereoma from stereós) describes a solid front of soldiers.

As Vincent says their

"Faith is represented as a host solidly drawn up: your solid front, close phalanx”.

Their faith in Christ was like the solid part of a military line which can and does stand the attack of the enemy, in this case false teachers. 

As Eadie notes their faith

"reposed on Christ—as unshaken as its object. His love never wavers, His power never fails, His fidelity never resiles (retracts, recoils) from its pledge. And those unseen blessings which faith surveys are unchanging in their certainty and glory. The portals of heaven are never barred—its living stream is never dried up; the pearls of its gates are unsoiled, nor is the gold of its pavement ever worn through. Surely, then, faith ought to be as stedfast as the foundation on which it rests, and the object which it contemplates and secures."

Paul used stereós in his letter to Timothy writing that even though their were some men who had

"gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some, nevertheless the firm (stereós - solid, sure, unshaken) foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." (See notes 2 Timothy 2:18; 2:19)

Faith (4102) (pistis) in this context describes the Christian's personal confidence in God, Christ, His Word and His promises. Christians will be enabled to stand fearlessly firm against the roaring lion only if they lean wholly (which is what faith does) on Jesus' name, standing on the promises of God.

The noun "Faith" is in the locative case, the idea being that the stability to stand against the adversary is found in the sphere of one's personal faith.

Wuest adds that

"The words “in the faith” refer to the believer’s own faith, the definite article here pointing to ownership. That is, the Christian is to stand firm against the onset of the devil, not in himself, but in the exercise of a faith that depends upon the strengthening and protecting power of God." (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)

Remember that faith is not a feeling but

"is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1) and that believers are called to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2Cor 5:7) 

The basic nature of faith is confidence that things yet future and unseen will happen as God has revealed they will. Peter is saying that if this is our attitude, we will be enabled to stand firm.

Your faith will be firm if your trust is in the Solid Rock. Victory is not assured by the personal tenacity or intensity with which we cling to our personal beliefs. Victory is found in adhering to the finished work of Christ on the Cross, where Christ forever defeated our adversary the devil. Prior to His crucifixion Jesus declared

"Now judgment is upon this world (sentence is now being passed on this world); now the ruler of this world shall be cast out." (Jn 12:31).

Although the cross might have appeared to signal Satan’s victory over God, in reality it marked Satan’s defeat. The sentence has not yet been carried out on the devil, but his doom has been sealed. He is still going through the world carrying on his evil business, but at the end of Messiah's 1000 year reign John records that

"the devil who deceived (the unbelievers in the 1000 year reign) was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Rev 20:10)

The purpose of trials is not to weaken our faith but to strengthen it. Trials are not allowed by God to make us "bitter" but "better". The outcome depends on our attitude - receptive versus resentful.

Spurgeon in his sermon "The Roaring Lion" (click for full text) comments on

“Steadfast in the faith” writing that we should "Seek to obtain a clear knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel, and then get a good grip of them. Be ready to die, sooner than give up a particle of God’s revealed truth. This will make you strong. Then take hold of the promises of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. Know that to every doctrine there is serve opposite promise. Have ready for every attack some strong word commencing with “Is it written?” Answer Satan with “Thus saith the Lord.” — “Steadfast in the faith.” Remember, all the water outside of a ship cannot sink it. It is the water inside that perils its safety. So, if your faith can keep its hold, and you can still say, “Though he slay me yet will I trust in him,” Satan may batter your shield; but he has not wounded your flesh."

In Acts we read that

"the churches were being (passive voice = church acted upon by outside force, the Spirit of the Living God) strengthened (stereoo - verb form of stereós) (imperfect tense = over and over the church was being made firm and solidified like muscles) in the faith, and were increasing in number daily." (Acts 16:5) which shows the healthy effect of sound biblical evangelism and discipleship which produces a faith based on "sound doctrine" and "solid food". 

Would Dr. Luke write such a description about your church, beloved? Or are you simply "increasing in number", yet not being "strengthened in the faith"?

"Just as David took his stand against Goliath, and trusted in the name of Jehovah, so we take our stand against Satan in the victorious name of Jesus Christ." (Wiersbe, W. The Bible exposition commentary) David "said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted." (1Sa 17:45)

John MacArthur writes that

"The way to resist the devil is not with special formulas, or words directed at him and his demons, but by remaining firm in the Christian faith. This means to continue to live in accord with the truth of God’s Word.  As the believer knows sound doctrine and obeys God’s truth, Satan is withstood." (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word Pub)

We take our stand on the Word of God and refuse to be moved, for unless we stand on the truth we cannot withstand our enemy.

We are to stand in our position, "hidden with Christ in God,” (See note Colossians 3:3), that we may be “strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (See note Ephesians 6:10).

We do not have to wage war with the devil to obtain our position ("in Him [Christ] you have been made complete and He is the head over all rule and authority" Colossians 2:10 - see note), nor do we have to fight him either to maintain it or to retain it

"for though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2Cor 10:3-5).

Now we are simply to stand where we have been placed, abiding above ("seated...with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" Ephesians 2:6 - see note), and "taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one." (See note Ephesians 6:16).

At the Cross the Lord Jesus

“disarmed (stripped them, divesting them of their power and authority) the rulers and authorities (the principalities and powers), He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." (See note Colossians 2:15).

Believers now can humbly walk in the train of His triumph.

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Our Daily Bread writes...Twinkle, Tinkle, Tattle...

A man was repeatedly robbed by burglars who entered his house through a window while he was asleep. He finally solved his problem by using three things. He called them a twinkler, a tinkler, and a tattler. The twinkler was a candle that he kept burning in the window all night. The tinkler was a bell attached to the window. And the tattler was a small, noisy dog. Because of these, the burglars were kept away.

Every Christian lives in a house that Satan seeks to burglarize. We too need a twinkler, a tinkler, and a tattler. The twinkler is the candle of God's Word. Its truths provide light that exposes Satan's lies. Daily attention to the Word keeps the lamp bright. The tinkler is the bell of our testimony. Keep it ringing as you tell others of the Savior, and Satan will be frustrated. The tattler is the life of prayer. When the enemy comes, send up the warning that you are telling Jesus about it all. Yes, twinkle your light, tinkle your testimony, and bark the enemy away by prayer.

A godly woman, when asked the secret of her victory, replied, "Whenever the devil raps at my door, I just say, 'Jesus, You go to the door and take care of him.'"

Twinkle, tinkle, and tattle! --M. R. De Haan, M.D. (founder of RBC Ministries)

KNOWING THAT THE SAME EXPERIENCES OF SUFFERING ARE BEING ACCOMPLISHED BY YOUR BRETHREN WHO ARE IN THE WORLD: eidotes (RAPMPN) ta auta ton pathematon te en (to) kosmo humon adelphoteti epiteleisthai (PPN): (1:6; 2:21; 3:14; 4:13; Jn16:33; Ac14:22; 1 Co10:13; 1 Th2:15,16; 1 Th3:3; 2 Ti3:12; Re1:9; 6:11; 7:14)

Peter now adds a strong incentive to stand firm in their faith. Satan wants believers to believe their trial is unique and they are alone in their struggle. Don't believe his lie says Peter.

Knowing (1492) (eido) is the verb that describes absolute, positive, beyond a chance of a doubt type of knowing something. The perfect tense speaks of the permanence of their knowing. Thus their knowledge of the truth which follows ("same experiences of suffering...") is permanently settled in their soul and can be called into use "in the nick of time" or as physicians say "PRN" (as needed for relief"). So be encouraged to endure your trials because you know beyond a shadow of doubt that your fellow-Christians are suffering the same things around the world. Suffering is the common lot for believers - you are not alone (cf Heb 13:4-5). Others have survived, therefore so can you (read Hebrews 11)

Why and how should Peter's readers have known beyond a shadow of a doubt? Peter has been writing about suffering for the preceding four chapters. In chapter 1 Peter said

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials." (see note 1 Peter 1:6)

In chapter 2 he said

"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." (See note 1 Peter 2:21).

In chapter 3 he wrote that

"even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled." (See note 1 Peter 3:14).

In chapter 4 he warned the saints not to

"be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation." (See note 1 Peter 4:12; 4:13)

Paul warned Timothy that

"indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted"  (See note 2 Timothy 3:12)

Faithful believers must expect persecution and suffering at the hands of the Christ-rejecting world and if you know this truth beyond a shadow of a doubt you won't be surprised when you suffer for the sake of the gospel.

"And after (Paul and Barnabas) had preached the gospel to that city (Derbe) and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ”Through many tribulations we must (it is necessary, inevitable and not optional) enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

All believers need to be reminded to expect hardships and persecution so that they will not be dismayed and overwhelmed by them. Perseverance in the Christian life is a ceaseless warfare against the forces of evil.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." (1Cor 10:13)

Calvin writes that

It is another consolation, that we have a contest in common with all the children of God; for Satan dangerously tries us, when he separates us from the body of Christ." (Commentaries)

Suffering (3804) (pathema describes what happens to a person and must be endured. Pathema is talking about the actual suffering itself (not suffering in general) - it refers to the very pain that we are experiencing right now - those very things that we can "see, touch & feel" - those things that are causing us anguish and emotional trauma.

The sufferings of this life are the lot of all believers but keep in mind that for believers suffering takes on a different meaning and purpose then suffering in general - as believers we suffer for our fai