The term "resisteth" is derived from the verb "resist," which means to withstand, oppose, or strive against. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the opposition against evil, sin, or the forces contrary to God's will. The concept of resisting is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where believers are called to stand firm in their faith and oppose anything that contradicts God's commandments and teachings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of resisting is often associated with standing against idolatry and the enemies of Israel. The Israelites were frequently admonished to resist the temptations of surrounding pagan cultures and to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh. For example, in the book of Exodus, the Israelites are instructed to resist the influence of foreign gods and to worship the Lord alone (Exodus 20:3-5).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of resisting takes on a more personal and spiritual dimension. Believers are encouraged to resist sin and the devil, who seeks to lead them away from God. James 4:7 states, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse highlights the importance of submission to God as a prerequisite for successfully resisting the devil's temptations.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the necessity of resistance in the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:13 , he writes, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." Here, Paul emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness and the use of divine resources to resist evil.

Theological Implications

The act of resisting is not merely a defensive posture but an active engagement in spiritual warfare. It requires discernment, strength, and reliance on God's power. The Bible teaches that resistance is part of the sanctification process, where believers grow in holiness and conformity to Christ. It involves a conscious decision to reject sin and embrace righteousness.

Practical Application

For Christians, resisting involves daily choices and actions that align with God's will. It means saying no to sinful desires, rejecting false teachings, and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to resist effectively, providing guidance and strength in moments of temptation.

Key Verses

· James 4:7 : "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
· 1 Peter 5:9 : "Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering."
· Ephesians 6:13 : "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

The biblical call to resist is a vital aspect of the Christian life, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to oppose anything that seeks to undermine their relationship with God.

Human Government.
... Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth
the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.6 Humble yourselves therefore ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

God Wills Our Good.
... In God's providence, no one can escape hardship: "Who resisteth his will [46] ?"
A person who rails at God in adversity, suffers without merit; moreover by his ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/4 god wills our good.htm

The Praise of Unity.
... For it is written, "God resisteth the proud." [520] Let us be careful, then, not
to set ourselves in opposition to the bishop, in order that we may be subject ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the ephesians/chapter v the praise of unity.htm

Pride and Humility
... SERMON XXIII. PRIDE AND HUMILITY. Eversley, 1869. Chester Cathedral, 1870. 1st.
Peter v.5. "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.". ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxiii pride and humility.htm

Letter Lxi (AD 1138) to Louis the Younger, King of the French.
... Nor am I ignorant who it is that has said, Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth
the ordinance of God (Romans 13:2). Nor yet do I forget how contrary is ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter lxi a d 1138 to.htm

Moreover, we are to Despise Ingratiating Ourselves with Kings or ...
... Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." [4959]
These words we have in our exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, to the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxv moreover we are.htm

Whether a Man who is Condemned to Death May Lawfully Defend ...
... On the contrary, The Apostle says (Rom.13:2): "He that resisteth the power, resisteth
the ordinance of God: and they that resist, purchase to themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man who is.htm

Whether Human Law Binds a Man in Conscience?
... Reply to Objection 1: As the Apostle says (Rom.13:1,2), all human power is from
God . . . "therefore he that resisteth the power," in matters that are within ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether human law binds a.htm

Whether it is Unlawful to Kill any Living Thing?
... For the Apostle says (Rom.13:2): "They that resist the ordinance of God purchase
to themselves damnation [*Vulg.: 'He that resisteth the power, resisteth the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is unlawful to 2.htm

Resisteth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Resisteth (3 Occurrences). ... Wherefore he saith, God resisteth
the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/r/resisteth.htm - 7k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth
the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Damnation (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance
of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ...
/d/damnation.htm - 18k

Resisted (8 Occurrences)

/r/resisted.htm - 8k

Withstandeth (2 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Romans 13:2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance
of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. (ASV) ...
/w/withstandeth.htm - 7k

Resisting (4 Occurrences)

/r/resisting.htm - 7k

Clothe (52 Occurrences)
... Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ...
/c/clothe.htm - 22k

Submit (36 Occurrences)
... Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (KJV WEY WBS). ...
/s/submit.htm - 17k

Clothed (153 Occurrences)
... Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/clothed.htm - 37k

Scripture (51 Occurrences)
... James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore 'the scripture' saith, God resisteth
the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. (ASV NIV). ...
/s/scripture.htm - 25k

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