RESISTING THE DEVIL

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 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, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Pet 5:8-9).

Devotion 12 of 15

BE AGGRESSIVE! GIVE THE DEVIL NO ADVANTAGE!
"Neither give place to the devil" (Eph 4:27).

It is possible for believers to give Satan an advantage: to allow the old serpent into their lives. Like Eve, they are found gawking at the tree of forbidden fruit. Like Aachan, they allow their eyes to rest upon things forbidden by God, thereby feeding their lusts and providing a way for their fulfillment. They have weaknesses with which they are very familiar, and yet they exercise little care to avoid giving the advantage to those weaknesses. They frequent places and culture friendships where those desires can be fed. Thinking themselves to be strong, they walk about in places where Satan dominates. How unwise and foolish!

The solemn injunction of Scripture is "Neither give place to the devil!"
Other versions read, "do not give the devil an opportunity" (NASB), "do not make room for the devil" (NRSV), and "do not give the devil a foothold" (NIV). Do not imagine that God will keep you if you insist on occupying territory where He is not welcome and the devil is free to work!

The Lord created Adam and Eve, placed them in a paradise, and gave them power over the work of His hands. But when Eve listened to the serpent God did not keep her from yielding to him. She gave the devil an opportunity. God loved David, but when the "sweet Psalmist of Israel" went out on his rooftop, saw a woman, and lusted after her, God did not keep him from sinning. He had made a place for the devil. God made Samson Judge of Israel and used him mightily. But when he foolishly divulged the secret of his strength to Delilah, God did not keep him from being overcome by his enemies. He had given opportunity to the devil. The Lord had added Ananias and Sapphira to the church. However, when they conspired to lie about their contribution to the work of the Lord, God did not keep them from lying before the very Apostles. They had given place to the devil.

Do not imagine that you are stronger that those whose record has been provided for our learning. If you make room for the devil, he will take it, and you will lose. If you give him an opportunity, he will overcome you. Some of you know this by experience. Others deny this is the case because it contradicts their theology. However, there is a long list of people will testify to the absurdity of a teaching that affirms God protects people who insist on providing room for the devil in their lives. Such people will someday hear the testimony of Cain, Lot's wife, the Israelites who came out of Egypt, king Saul, and Judas. These will surely stand up in solid denunciation of those who read the record of their fall, yet believed and taught believers could give Satan the advantage, and do so with impunity.

If you resist the devil, you must not allow him to have a place in your life. Weak areas must be strengthened, and sins that so easily beset you must be cast away from you (Heb 12:1-2). Believers are told, "And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Heb 12:13). You will never be able to resist the devil if you fail to fortify your areas of vulnerability. Nor, indeed, can you resist him if you insist on providing opportunities for him to work in you.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ give me a keen awareness of areas within and without in which Satan is given the advantage. Then give me wisdom and fortitude to suffocate them, refusing to grant them any degree of importance.

-- TOMORROW: ARM YOURSELVES --