Are you ready for a short, little verse...(with a big punch)?
"nor give place to the devil."
Ephesians 4:27
The original Greek word used for “place” here is “topos.” You know…my Big Fat Greek Wedding...a lot of our English words are derived from Greek. It is the same root word that means topography, geography, or location. Paul is advising here not to give ground to our adversary. Paul is telling us, don’t give the devil an inch, because he wants and will take a mile…if we let him.
Where is this “place?” Usually it is the realm of our soul: our hearts and minds; our thoughts and emotions. When we allow the enemy entry to places we shouldn’t…well…it is a bummer. He loves to take ground and set up a stronghold. In other words, this darkness can get a strong hold on us in the form of our thoughts, our actions, addictions, and behaviors we can’t seem to break no matter how hard we try.
But…enough talk about the evil one and let’s talk about the overwhelming love and power of the One and Only. He came to destroy every…EVERY…work of the devil (1 John 3:8). Jesus came to literally untie every knot the enemy has worked into our lives. And, best of all Jesus REALLY wants us to be free…AND…it is never …too late.
So…don’t give up. Keep looking up. Seek Spirit-filled help. Seek the Lord and let His Word bring healing (Psalm 107:20). Freedom may come in an instant or you may gain ground back one inch at a time over a period of time. Yet…Deliverance is yours in Jesus’ Name.
I am living proof.