“Neither give place to the devil.” -Ephesians 4:27
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this passage of Scripture. Although brief, this statement packs quite a punch. Today we are living in a time where it is easy and convenient to compromise. Perhaps you have been around believers who think that it won’t hurt to sin because, after all, we have a promise in 1 John 1:9 that will restore our fellowship with the Father, should we miss it.
Thank God for 1 John 1:9, which says, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In light of this, let us be quick to remember that there is also another law in Scripture, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In other words, when you are teeter tottering in your mind whether to sin or not, be conscious of the fact that sin will always harm you. We will find forgiveness when we repent, but sin has consequencea.
When we allow the devil to have place in our life, we will begin to find that our faith begins to lack. Sin keeps us from the Word. Sin affects our prayer life. Sin harms our bodies. Sin lowers our self-esteem. Sin will never benefit us in the long run. Immature believers are ones who are only concerned about their eternal security. As long as they can get that back, they feel they are in a good position. But that is living below our potential as Christians. We are divine people who should not be moved by the temptations of the enemy.
Today make a decision in your life that you will not allow the enemy to win when he tempts you. There is more at stake than your eternal security. Defend your peace. Defend your faith. Defend your prayer life. Do this by taking to sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and casting down every method and device of the enemy. When you rise up with boldness, the Holy Spirit will cause you to walk over all the power of the enemy and you will grow to new heights! Thank God for every temptation because every temptation is an opportunity to bring glory and honor to God by demonstrating the power that is available to those who have the divine nature of God!
Prayer:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I will give the devil no place today. I have the sword of the Spirit. I have the Holy Ghost fullness. I am a partaker of the divine nature and the enemy’s devices and methods are no match for what I have been authorized to walk in. I renounce every area of my life that I have allowed to enemy to have place in. I give you my heart, mind, soul, and strength and commit to using them to honor you. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit today, Lord. In Jesus name, AMEN!”
