d to disregard the heavenly powers (evidently evil) which angels dare
not do. "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of
uncleanness, and despise dominion. Presumptuous are they, self willed,
they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which
are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against
them before the Lord." There is probably a just regard, on the part of
the angelic beings, for the fact that Satan is the "anointed" of God
(Ezek. 28:14). As David would not lift up his hand against Saul because
he was the "Lord's anointed" (I Sam. 24:6). Christ is said to be
anointed (Ps. 2:2); so also is the believer (I Jno. 2:27). But it is
also shown here that the superior wisdom and strength of even Michael,
the archangel, and all other celestial beings, is never lifted in
conflict with Satan. They rely only upon the same power that is promised
the believer, and well may the believer be instructed by their example.

There are two passages where the child of God is directed to resist the
devil. The context, however, in both passages warns him that it must be
in utter dependence upon the power of God. He must be wholly submitted
to God and it must be done through a steadfastness of faith. The
passages are as follows: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you" (Jas. 4:7). "Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith" (I Pet.
5:8, 9). And the faith principle is mentioned among the believer's armor
in Eph. 6:16 as the "shield of faith" by which all the fiery darts of
the enemy are to be quenched.

Third: True character may be realized by the power of God, in spite of
the tendency of the fallen nature. This character, however, is that
which is directly promised by the power of God: "But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, self control" (Gal. 5:22, 23). "For the fruit of the
Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Eph. 5:9). "Ye
are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is
he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I Jno. 4:4). Thus the
true God-honoring character is seen to be the result of the power of
God, and it is only possible to the one who has "ceased from his own
labors and has entered into rest." "This is the vict