Giving the Devil an Opportunity
This morning we finished our discussion of the story of "Legion," the demon possessed man in Luke 8. We had a good group of men, and they were very engaged as we spoke of how people give the Devil an opportunity to influence their lives. (Ephesians 4:27)
There are the obvious ways that people open themselves to Satan's influence, such as worshiping Satan or practicing witchcraft. However, there are more subtle ways like reading a horoscope or listening to someone who reads palms or supposedly foretells the future. Also, there are the normal sins that we overlook in our lives. Bitterness or anger can be very open doors for Satan to have his way with us. We must be careful not to give Satan a toe-hold, because before too long it will turn into a stronghold. There are millions of believers who are under the influence of the Devil, because he has built a stronghold in their lives.
Then, we pointed out the truth in II Corinthians 10:3-6. If we use our spiritual weapons against Satan and his forces, we can pull down those strongholds and be set free from anything that exalts itself against God. Then, if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, so the spiritual war will be decided in favor of God having His way with us. (Galatians 5:16-17) Therefore, we do not need to fear Satan. We just need to stop giving him opportunities to infiltrate our lives and influence us. Then, we can live in victory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 12-14.
There are the obvious ways that people open themselves to Satan's influence, such as worshiping Satan or practicing witchcraft. However, there are more subtle ways like reading a horoscope or listening to someone who reads palms or supposedly foretells the future. Also, there are the normal sins that we overlook in our lives. Bitterness or anger can be very open doors for Satan to have his way with us. We must be careful not to give Satan a toe-hold, because before too long it will turn into a stronghold. There are millions of believers who are under the influence of the Devil, because he has built a stronghold in their lives.
Then, we pointed out the truth in II Corinthians 10:3-6. If we use our spiritual weapons against Satan and his forces, we can pull down those strongholds and be set free from anything that exalts itself against God. Then, if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, so the spiritual war will be decided in favor of God having His way with us. (Galatians 5:16-17) Therefore, we do not need to fear Satan. We just need to stop giving him opportunities to infiltrate our lives and influence us. Then, we can live in victory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 12-14.