GIVING AN INCH
"That word 'place' in Ephesians 4:27 is from the Greek word topos. It describes a specific, marked-off location. But rather than a physical location that we use a map to identify, this 'place' may refer to a rough spot in our relationships, our finances, our thoughts, our personal habits, or to lingering areas of disobedience. Whatever it is, it’s an identifiable location that the devil seeks to find and use as an open door into our lives." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/)
Another word for "place", according to the New International Version is foothold. "We need to be serious about our lives because the devil is always looking for a door, a window, or a crack [a foothold] — any entry point — through which he can access us. We must circumspectly look at our lives to see if there’s any area we’ve left open or unguarded that has allowed the devil to find a way to attack us." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/)
“Neither give place to the devil,” is a command, not a suggestion. The statement is weighed this heavy because of the implications. "If you’ve ever come under spiritual assault and found the devil in the middle of your affairs, you understand the value of stopping the enemy at the doorway rather than finding a way to extract him once he has found an access point to worm his way into some area of your life."
(https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/)
Even if you have found the strength and courage in The Lord to keep the enemy at bay - "the devil will linger a long time to see if you are truly serious about keeping him out of your life." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/) We see this in Scripture with the image of what I call The Copy Cat (Lion). Satan has always attempted to have an unholy alternative to God and anything connected to God. Christ is called The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. And in 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is referred as "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (KJV).
Even if you have found the strength and courage in The Lord to keep the enemy at bay - "the devil will linger a long time to see if you are truly serious about keeping him out of your life." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/) We see this in Scripture with the image of what I call The Copy Cat (Lion). Satan has always attempted to have an unholy alternative to God and anything connected to God. Christ is called The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. And in 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is referred as "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (KJV).
As an unholy lion, the devil "walketh" or in the NIV "prowls" around. This word in its original form is peripateo (per-ee-pat-eh-o), meaning to tread all around, walk at large, especially as proof of ability. In my words - Strut! And a very prideful strut at that. This is the kind of fear tactic that the devil will issue if at first he does not succeed.
"Since we know the devil is trying to find a way to gain entry into our lives, we must use the weapons of warfare God has given us to resist him (see Ephesians 6:10-18). But it is likewise essential that we diligently keep watch over our lives on a sustained and continual basis, looking for any doors we may have left open that would make it easier for the enemy to find entrance." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/)
"One thing is certain: Living a life of obedience shuts doors and makes it more difficult for the devil to find entry into our lives. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge that if we are living in disobedience in any area, those areas may become the very entry points by which the devil gains access to disturb our peace and to try to stop our forward momentum and even bring destruction in our lives." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/) You have heard don't give the devil and inch or he will take a mile. This verse and others in The Bible screams warnings that the devil will take more than a mere mile. So, I encourage all of us, especially my fellow believers in Christ, do not compromise in anything you know is Holy by Giving An Inch.
"One thing is certain: Living a life of obedience shuts doors and makes it more difficult for the devil to find entry into our lives. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge that if we are living in disobedience in any area, those areas may become the very entry points by which the devil gains access to disturb our peace and to try to stop our forward momentum and even bring destruction in our lives." (https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/) You have heard don't give the devil and inch or he will take a mile. This verse and others in The Bible screams warnings that the devil will take more than a mere mile. So, I encourage all of us, especially my fellow believers in Christ, do not compromise in anything you know is Holy by Giving An Inch.
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