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Do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27 NIV
Give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27 ESV
Don’t allow the devil to walk into your house. Ephesians 4:27 OGV
The Greek word for “opportunity” or “foothold” indicates a defined space which you control. It is your domain, territory, calling, or family. If it has been burgled or infiltrated…
…did you leave the door open?
When the devil enters he does not leave. He overstays his welcome, while ruining your life and those whom you love. You make the decision as the evil one is helpless without an open door. The Apostle John writes, “Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.”
Satan must not be given access.
John also writes that there are three doors that the devil enters:
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV
Door #1: Desire of the flesh. This is sensuality whether gluttony or sex. Addiction passes this doorpost.
Door #2: Desire of the eyes. Consider materialism and wealth; whatever you see that you desire. Poverty in spirit comes through this door even if you gain all the wealth in the world.
Door #3: Pride of life. Power, ego, and success root in pride. Manipulation, control, and pretension decorate the house of narcissism.
Every temptation or sin imaginable comes through one of these three doors – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
Fortunately, there are scriptural solutions. Temptation is always rooted in lack of faith when you depend on something other than God for happiness, material need, or success. The world has one way; the Spirit has another.
The world grasps while those in the Spirit live by promise. The “promise antidotes” to what has entered your house are listed in Philippians 4.
For temptation #1 “lust of the flesh,” memorize Philippians 4:7: “Let the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Pray for peace and not pleasure. I have found that addiction is often rooted in something that “disturbs” within an individual.
Claim the promise of Peace!
For temptation #2 “lust of the eyes,” memorize Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all of my needs.” When God supplies, there is a generosity of spirit that heals.
Claim the promise of Provision!
For temptation #3 “pride of life,” memorize Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Pride relies on self; faith looks to God. With God in control there is no need for manipulation.
Claim the promise of His Power!
Afflictions in the flesh happen when the devil enters our space. We allowed the intrusion; scripture kicks him out. Which of the three temptations regularly cause you difficulty?
Discern the temptation and memorize the antidote found in Philippians 4:7 or 13 or 19. I have memorized all three and repeat them daily as I get out of bed!