Resistance Training

Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

JAMES 4:7

A popular form of strength development has come to be known as resistance training. Instead of muscles pushing against gravity (as in weight lifting), they push against an opposing force generated by elastic resistance. There are two kinds of resistance training: isotonic if the body part is pushing against the force; isometric if the body part is resisting the force.

How would you describe a Christian’s strength training: isotonic or isometric? That is, are we to push against the devil or stand firm against the devil? A clue is found in Ephesians 6:10–18. Paul described all the Christian’s spiritual armor as defensive in nature (shield, helmet, and others) except for the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). In fact, Paul actually says we are to “stand against” the schemes of the devil. The apostle Peter agrees: he says we are to resist, not attack, the devil. Therefore, the Christian gains strength isometrically, by standing firm against the strength of the devil.

Are your feet firmly planted? Are you growing stronger daily? Practice resistance training this week as you stand firm against the spiritual forces coming against you.

The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground.

WARREN WIERSBE

Jeremiah, D. (2014). Turning points with god: 365 daily devotions (p. 266). Tyndale Momentum.