23374 And Do Not Give the Devil A Foothold

“Do not give the devil an opportunity.” – Ephesians 4:27

Be self-controlled and alert

“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 5:9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. ”
—1 Peter 5:8-9

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
—2 Thessalonians 3:3

(John 17:15; James 4:7)

“Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! ”
—2 Corinthians 2:11

Satan tries to control my perspective, manipulate my thinking and exploit my foundational desires.

Deception

  • With total lies that have been dressed up to look like the truth.
  • With lies that have been mixed in with the truth.
  • With misrepresentations of truth because it has been taken out of context.

Temptation

  • With sensual pleasures.
  • With money and possessions.
  • With fame and power.

Accusation

  • By condemning me of past sins that have already been confessed to God and forgiven.
  • By creating false guilt about things for which God does not hold me responsible.

Distraction

  • With entertaining diversions.
  • With strategic crises.

Affliction

  • Through mental and emotional torment.
  • Through physical illness and disease.

Discouragement

  • Through hopelessness.

Doubt

  • By questioning God’s motives and character.

Division

  • By focusing on differences in others.
  • By being suspicious of the motivations of others.
  • By harboring bitterness and unforgiveness toward others.
  • By committing offenses against others or God.

Intimidation

  • Through fear of failure.
  • Through fear of rejection.
  • Through fear of the unknown.
  • Through fear of persecution.

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