Resist or Assist

[branchesofHim]

Resist the devil, do not assist the devil.

James, in his letter, writes about a double minded man being unstable in all his ways and how he that waivers is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind. He then emphasizes how the tongue of man is likened unto a rudder on a ship that steers it while being driven by the wind. He continues this theme noting that blessing and cursing shouldn't come from the same mouth. In the midst of it all he writes that the believers are to submit themselves to God and resist the devil. 

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

James addresses specifically the words spoken by a believer before and after telling them to submit themselves to God then resist the devil.

Peter also addresses how the believer is to watch what they say with their tongues and to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God (submit themselves to Him).

I Peter 3:[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1 Peter 5:[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Resist is defined as to "stand against or oppose". A critical element of resisting the devil is to speak against or oppose him by the words that are spoken.

Paul emphasized these same principles in his letters. For just one example, consider his letter to the Ephesians where he addresses the believer having a new nature in Christ as well as the words spoken and not giving place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

What we say gives right to either God or the devil to direct our lives. Resist the devil and don't assist him. We are created in God's image and after His likeness. We speak words, which are spirit, and ultimately we create the spiritual environment around us. Let us not be snared by what we say. Remember that whatsoever you say can and will be used for you or against you. Shalom

Proverbs 6:[2] Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Hebrews 3:[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

2 Timothy 2:[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.