Emphasize the importance of resisting the devil's schemes, guarding our hearts, and protecting God's Kingdom by not giving the devil a foothold through unwholesome actions or words.
Good morning family! It's a joy to be gathered here together in the house of the Lord. Today, we're going to delve into a powerful passage from the book of Ephesians. We're going to talk about the danger of giving opportunity to the devil, the power of resisting his schemes, and our responsibility to protect the Kingdom of God.
As Charles Spurgeon once said, "Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in." That's why we need to be vigilant and strong, guarding our hearts and our fellowship against his tactics.
Let's read from Ephesians 4:27-29:
"Do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Let's bow our heads for an opening prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. Guide us, Lord, as we explore Your Word. Grant us wisdom to understand and strength to resist the devil and his schemes. Help us to guard our hearts and protect Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let's dive in.
The danger of giving opportunity to the devil is a warning that is echoed throughout the scriptures, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and righteousness in our walk with God.
Paul warns against giving the devil a foothold: This phrase is a metaphor that paints a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. Imagine a mountain climber scaling a steep cliff. If he can find a small crevice or a tiny ledge to place his foot, he can use it to propel himself upwards. Similarly, the devil is always looking for a small opening, a tiny crack in our spiritual armor that he can exploit to gain a foothold in our lives.
They can seem harmless or insignificant: They might come in the form of seemingly small sins or compromises in our faith. It could be a little white lie, a moment of anger, a fleeting thought of jealousy, or a brief indulgence in lust. These might seem like small, inconsequential acts, but they can give the devil the opportunity he needs to gain a foothold in our lives.
Once the devil has a foothold: He can use it to exert influence over our thoughts, emotions, and actions. He can use it to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and discord. He can use it to lead us further into sin and away from God. This is why the Bible warns us to be vigilant and to guard our hearts and minds against the schemes of the devil.
It can affect our relationships with others: The devil is a master of division and strife. He delights in causing discord and misunderstanding among believers. When we give him an opportunity, he can use it to drive a wedge between us and our fellow believers, causing disunity and division within the body of Christ.
Serious consequences for our spiritual growth: There are also consequences for our relationship with God. Sin separates us from God. When we allow the devil to gain a foothold in our lives, we are essentially creating a barrier between us and God. This can hinder our prayers, our worship, and our ability to hear from God. It can stunt our spiritual growth and prevent us from fulfilling the purpose that God has for our lives.
The danger is real: It’s something that we must be constantly aware of. We must be vigilant in our walk with God, always striving to live in righteousness and holiness. We must guard our hearts and minds against the schemes of the devil and resist the temptation to compromise our faith.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you resisted the devil and/or a time when you gave in. How did these moments affect your life and your faith?
The power of resisting the devil is not just about avoiding sin, but actively standing against the forces of darkness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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