Let me tell you a story from the Bible that illustrates the importance of the phrase “give no place to the devil.” It comes from the Book of Acts, chapter 5.
A couple named Ananias and Sapphira had joined the early church. Like many others, they sold a piece of property to donate the proceeds to the apostles for the church’s needs.
However, they kept back a portion for themselves, lying to the apostles about the full amount.
When confronted by Peter, Ananias fell down dead. Three hours later, his wife Sapphira repeated the same lie, unaware of her husband’s fate. Peter rebuked her, and she too fell down dead.
This cautionary tale teaches us that giving the devil a foothold, even in seemingly small ways, can have severe consequences. By lying, Ananias and Sapphira gave the devil an opportunity to influence their hearts and actions, leading to their tragic demise.
So, what does it truly mean to “give no place to the devil”? And how can we apply this principle in our daily lives? Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Context: Ephesians 4:26-27
The phrase “give no place to the devil” comes from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 26-27 (KJV):
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
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In this passage, the Apostle Paul is instructing the Ephesians, and by extension, all of God’s people, on how to live a life pleasing to God.
He acknowledges that anger is a natural human emotion, but warns against allowing it to fester and give the devil an opportunity to influence our thoughts and actions.
Paul’s words are a call to deal with anger promptly, forgive others, and not let bitterness, wrath, or malice take root in our hearts.
If we hold onto these negative emotions, we create an opening, a “place,” for the devil to gain a foothold in our lives.
The Meaning of “Place” in the Greek
The word “place” in this verse comes from the Greek word “topos,” which can refer to a physical location, but also has a metaphorical meaning of “opportunity” or “occasion.”
So, when Paul says, “give no place to the devil,” he is warning us not to provide the devil with any opportunity, any foothold, any chance to influence our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Practical Applications: Closing the Door on the Devil
How can we heed Paul’s warning and give no place to the devil in our daily lives? Here are some practical applications:
- Deal with anger and conflict promptly. As Paul advises, don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. Address disagreements and hurts quickly, with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. Holding grudges creates an opening for the devil.
- Practice forgiveness. Forgive others as God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Unforgiveness breeds bitterness, which can fester into malice and give the devil a foothold.
- Guard your heart and mind. Be vigilant against negative thoughts, emotions, and attitudes that can create opportunities for the devil to influence you. Replace them with godly thoughts and attitudes (Philippians 4:8).
- Resist the devil. When temptation or negative influences arise, actively resist the devil and his schemes (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9). Don’t give him an inch.
- Pursue godliness. Fill your life with the things of God – His Word, prayer, fellowship with believers, and service to others. When you give your heart and mind to God, there’s no room for the devil.
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “give no place to the devil” comes from Ephesians 4:26-27, where Paul warns against allowing anger, bitterness, and malice to take root, giving the devil an opportunity to influence our lives.
- The word “place” in Greek means not just a physical location, but also an opportunity or occasion for the devil to gain a foothold.
- Practical applications include dealing with anger promptly, practicing forgiveness, guarding our hearts and minds, resisting the devil, and pursuing godliness.
- By heeding Paul’s warning, we can close the door to the devil and live victorious Christian lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to “give place to the devil”?
A. To “give place to the devil” means to provide the devil with an opportunity or occasion to influence your thoughts, words, and actions. It’s allowing the devil to gain a foothold in your life through negative emotions, attitudes, or behaviors.
Q. Why is it important not to give place to the devil?
A. If we give the devil a place in our lives, even in seemingly small ways, it can lead to greater sin, spiritual oppression, and separation from God. The devil is always looking for opportunities to lead us astray, so we must be vigilant and not give him any foothold.
Q. What are some practical ways to avoid giving place to the devil?
A. Some practical ways include dealing with anger and conflict promptly, practicing forgiveness, guarding your heart and mind against negative thoughts and attitudes, actively resisting the devil’s schemes, and pursuing godliness by filling your life with the things of God.
Q. Why does Paul specifically mention anger in Ephesians 4:26-27?
A. Anger is a natural human emotion, but if left unchecked, it can lead to sin and create an opening for the devil to influence us. Paul warns against letting anger fester and instructs us to deal with it promptly, so we don’t give the devil a foothold.
Q. Does this mean we should never experience anger?
A. No, the Bible acknowledges that anger itself is not a sin (Ephesians 4:26 says “Be angry, and sin not”). However, we must be careful not to let anger lead us into sin or create opportunities for the devil to influence us.
