There are 3 main courses of action that result in opening the door for Satan to gain advantage over your life. The first involves an unwillingness to forgive someone who has trespassed against you, Matthew 6:12-15. The second occurs when individuals begin to do what’s right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25. Finally, when you begin to crave and desire worldly impulses, Romans 8:5 and Galatians 5:16-18, the sinful nature takes over your body.
Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another. 26 When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him], Ephesians 4:25-27.
While visiting a couple of his new church plants, Paul observed Satan was beginning to gain advantage over new and young believers. The context of this unhealthy pattern in Ephesus began in marriages. When a spouse was disappointed, hurt, or offended, several began to go to sleep with anger and bitterness within their hearts. Some couples allowed these feelings to create a wedge between them. In the process, the door was opened for a spiritual foothold to develop.
If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive that one; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the presence [and with the approval] of Christ (the Messiah), 11 To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11.
During the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, families have been put to the test. Lost income due to being a non-essential employee has strained relationships nationwide. Meanwhile, essential workers have put their lives at risk to help keep America going. Depending upon where you are on your own spiritual journey, keeping Satan from gaining the advantage over us can be exhausting. Yet, as you learn to forgive, look to the Bible for guidance, and set your heart and mind on things above, God regains control. May the Holy Spirit begin to transform your life so that Satan’s advantage disappears.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 