Resist, Stand, And Advance

Resist, Stand, and Advance: A Call to Spiritual Maturity and Victory

As followers of Christ, we are not passive observers in the battle of life—we are soldiers called to resist the forces of darkness, stand firm in the truth, and advance the Kingdom of God. These three actions—resist, stand, and advance—mark the rhythm of spiritual growth and victory.

1. RESIST – Say No to Sin and Satan

To resist is to consciously reject evil, temptation, and compromise. Resistance isn’t passive; it is intentional spiritual warfare that starts with total submission to God.

Key Scripture:

James 4:7 (ESV):

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

Explanation:

Many focus on the "resist the devil" part, but overlook the crucial beginning: "Submit yourselves to God." Our resistance is only effective when it comes from a heart that is surrendered. Without submission, resistance lacks power.

How do we resist?

Through the Word – Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness by saying “It is written…” (Matthew 4:1–11). Knowing and speaking the Word is our best defense.

Through prayer – Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).

Through the Spirit – Galatians 5:16 tells us to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Application:

Resistance requires a lifestyle of discipline, spiritual alertness, and active rejection of anything that dishonors God. It’s choosing God over pleasure, obedience over comfort, and truth over lies.

2. STAND – Hold Your Ground in Faith

Once we resist the enemy, we must learn to stand our ground. The ability to stand speaks of spiritual endurance, faith, and conviction in the face of hardship or pressure.

Key Scripture:

Ephesians 6:13–14 (NIV):

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…"

Explanation:

Standing is a symbol of strength, readiness, and refusal to be moved. The context in Ephesians is spiritual warfare—Paul lists the armor of God (truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word) and then calls us not to attack, but to stand.

This means:

Standing on God’s promises, not feelings (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Standing in faith, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

Standing in righteousness, not compromise (Psalm 1:1–3).

Application:

In moments when progress seems impossible and resistance is fierce, God calls you not to run, but to stand. To say, “I will not give up, I will not bow, I will not lose hope.” Standing becomes a testimony of your faith to both heaven and hell.

3. ADVANCE – Move Forward in Purpose and Power

After resisting and standing, the final command is to advance. God never intended us to remain stagnant or stuck. The Christian life is a journey of forward movement—growing in grace, fulfilling your purpose, and taking spiritual ground.

Key Scripture:

Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV):

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Explanation:

Paul, though already an apostle, declares that he hasn’t "arrived." There is more—more to know, more to do, more to become. Advancing means:

Growing deeper in your relationship with God (Colossians 2:6–7).

Fulfilling your calling and ministry (2 Timothy 4:7).

Expanding God’s kingdom influence through service, love, and truth (Matthew 28:19–20).

The Bible is filled with advancing people:

Moses advanced through the Red Sea.

David advanced toward Goliath.

Jesus advanced toward the cross—and then conquered death.

Application:

You were not saved to survive but to thrive and conquer. Advancing is about becoming who God called you to be, impacting lives, and taking new territory for His glory. Don’t settle—press on!

Conclusion: The Cycle of Victory

These three commands are not isolated—they are cyclical:

You resist the enemy daily.

You stand in moments of challenge and decision.

You advance when God opens doors and calls you forward.

Each season of life may emphasize one more than the other, but a healthy believer practices all three.

Final Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV):

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Prayer:

Lord, help me to resist the devil and every form of temptation. Teach me to stand firm on Your promises, clothed in Your armor. Give me courage and strength to advance in the calling and purpose You have placed on my life. May I walk in victory through Jesus Christ. Amen.