In this sermon, titled “Run Satan Run!” based on James 4, we explored the spiritual battles that believers face daily, highlighting four specific wars: the War Against Selfishness, the War Against the Devil, the War Against Pride, and the War Against Presumption. These wars revolve around how our desires and actions either align us with God or drive us away from Him.

The sermon began by examining some heartbreaking news stories, leading to deeper questions about the root causes of violence, division, and conflict in society. The Bible offers clear answers in James 4:1, teaching that wars and fights arise from the selfish desires within us. We see this in both biblical examples and real-life situations. People fight for power, respect, happiness, wealth, and attention—desires that aren’t inherently evil but become sinful in how we pursue them. For example, Cain killed because he wanted acceptance, and David had Uriah killed because he desired his wife. This desire for personal gratification also causes strife in marriages, families, and even in rush-hour traffic.

James 4:2b-3 reminds us that we don’t have what we desire because we fail to ask God or because we ask with wrong motives, seeking only to fulfill our selfish pleasures. In this way, our desires lead us to spiritual adultery, as James 4:4 warns, since friendship with the world makes us enemies of God. We learned that God is a jealous God, but His jealousy is rooted in love—He is “jealous for us,” wanting what is best for us, unlike the world, which promotes self-centeredness and rebellion.

The second major theme explored the War Against the Devil, covered in James 4:7-10. Satan uses our desires to tempt us, much like a skilled judo master who uses our own momentum against us. But God gives us a defense: submission to Him. When we submit to God and resist the devil, Satan will flee. The key to resisting is knowing God’s Word, just as Jesus used Scripture to overcome temptation. Drawing near to God through prayer, worship, fellowship, and a humble heart cleanses us from sin and strengthens us to stand against the enemy. We were reminded to be broken over our sin and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, trusting that He will lift us up.

The third war, the War Against Pride, addressed in James 4:11-12, focused on how pride manifests through judgment and condemnation of others. Pride causes us to believe we are better than others, which leads to judging them unfairly. Instead of judging, we were reminded of the grace of God that has shaped our lives and to extend that same grace to others.

The final war discussed was the War Against Presumption, covered in James 4:13-17. This passage cautions against making arrogant plans for the future without acknowledging God’s sovereignty. Life is a vapor, fleeting and uncertain. We should humble ourselves and say, “If the Lord wills,” when planning our days, recognizing that God is ultimately in control.

The sermon concluded with a call to self-reflection, reminding us to check our desires, draw near to God, resist the devil, and remain humble. Pride, selfishness, and presumption are wars we cannot win on our own, but with God’s grace, we can overcome.

This message was delivered at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, where Pastor Allen Victor encourages believers to engage in the spiritual battles outlined in James 4.

#RunSatanRun #SpiritualWarfare #James4 #WarAgainstSelfishness #ResistTheDevil #SubmitToGod #ChristianLiving #SpiritualAdultery #GodsGrace #Humility