Neither Give Place to the Devil Eph 4:27 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Paul gave us very specific instructions about putting on the new man in Eph 4:24-32.  In the midst of these instructions he told us, neither give place to the devil.  When you think about that instruction it is a little hard to understand exactly how to accomplish this without looking up some other scriptures.  So, we are going to run a couple of cross references and see how we can keep from giving place to the devil.

To keep from giving place to the devil requires:

Humility – Jas 4:6, 1 Pet 5:5-6 – Adrian Rogers said, “Nothing sets a man out of the devil’s reach so much as humility.”  He is the king over the children of pride.  He tempts with the pride of life.  He is a destroyer and pride goeth before destruction.  Jesus humbled himself and Paul said “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Submission – Jas 4:7 – submitting to God is like a child submitting to a father commanding him to stay out of the street, or to an officer commanding a soldier to stay down, or an owner commanding his dog to heel.  Submitting to these commands is in the best interest of the one being commanded to obey.  The best way to submit is to learn the truth of the word of God and then do what it says.  Submit to the authority of the words of God.  The centurion was a man under authority and demonstrated great faith.  When you submit to God then he is the one who protects you in  a battle with the devil.  When you submit to his truth, his truth keeps you out of the devil’s snare.

Vigilance – 1 Pet 5:8 – Paul said of the devil that we are not ignorant of his devices.  Those are words of a vigilant man.  Paul knew his enemy.  He tempts in three principle areas [lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life].  Dr. Ruckman preached on the watch words of the Bible.  He said watch your words, your actions, your thoughts, your companions, and your heart.  These are five things the devil will use against you.  Pay attention; be vigilant.

Resistance – Jas 4:7, 1 Pet 5:9 – you cannot give in to the devil’s temptations.  Eve should have quoted Gen 2:17 to the devil.  If he shot back a reply she should have said, “The Lord rebuke thee” and moved on.  You are to resist, not run, not attack.  Stand your ground by the grace of God.  If the devil is not messing with you then don’t invite an attack [or give place].  Don’t blame him for things that you did; he might get permission from God to get you back.  Draw near to God and stay right there with him.

Conclusion: If you will live by these four things you will not give place to the devil.  This doesn’t mean that you won’t get attacked.  The Lord might allow him to try you like he did Job or Jesus.  If he does, God intends for you to come out being a better person for it.  Like soldiers in boot camp; they endure hardness to make them combat ready.  Look at 1 Pet 5:10.  You will come out perfect, stablished, strengthened, and settled.