Text: Ephesians 4:25-32
Memory Verse: “Nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).
Apostle Paul admonished the Ephesian Church and consequently those of us who are believers today saying “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27, NIV). When you allow lying, not speaking truth with your neighbour, anger, wrath, stealing, corrupt words proceed out of your mouth, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, clamour, and evil speaking, malice, unforgiveness etc., you are giving the devil a foothold in your life and you are playing with fire.
When a man plays with fire, you know what the consequences can be; it can burn. If you give the devil a foothold in your life, he will eventually take total control and you know the thief (devil) comes not but to steal, to kill and to
destroy (John 10:10a). Don’t open the door of your life to negative attributes such as alcohol, addiction, gambling, hang-ups, compromise, bitterness, etc. It is certain that you are going to be tempted, as a teenager and youth.
Pressures will come, but if you open the door even slightly, the enemy will push it wide open and take advantage. He would love for all that negative baggage to be in you and even be passed from you to the next generation.
Do not think you can compromise just a little, be dishonest a little, run with the wrong crowd just a little, and get away with it. Remember, the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour (1Peter 5:8). Stop playing with fire!
Prayer Points:
1. Father, thank You for the grace to guard my heart and mind with all diligence.
2. Holy Spirit, please help me never to give the devil a foothold in my life or play with fire.