Freedom from the enemy's control.

[olger]

Paul warns belivers in Ephesians 4:27 not to give place to the devil. The term "place" is a word meaning base of operation or opportunity. Satan is constantly looking for opportunities to set up camp right in our own lives. When we commit sins without confessing them we give satan territory that he then uses to seek to control us, thereby destroying our effectiveness for the Lord.

We either resist the evil one's influence or we relinquish control to his power. The enemy cannot take ground without our cooperation or permission. while he can put thoughts in our minds or place temptation in our paths, we choose to either follow or resist.

Satan's goals concerning believers are to..

* outwit or take advantage of us (2 Cor 2:10-14; 1 Peter 5:8)

* ensnare us to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26)

* steal kill and destroy (John 10:10)

* confuse us to keep us from understanding God's word (Mark 4:15)

* distort the truth (John 8:44)

Jesus said everyone who sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34). A person whoc practices sin or is exposed to a sinful pattern may become trapped by that particular sin. As ground is given to the enemy, a person becomes enslavment of sin (John 8:36). Paul warned believers to not allow sin to "reign" (exercise kingly power, control, or dominate them). Each of us has a choice. We can either be enslaved to sin or to righteousness (Romans 6:16-17, 22).

The enemy seeks to take control of a person through..

* rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23)

* Interest or participation in occult activities

* moral failure (Individuals who participate in pornography,

prostitution or other immoral activities open their lives to

the control of the enemy. men involved in pornography have

brought home demonic problems to their wives). Sorry to be

blunt, but it needs to be said, dear friends.

* religious fetishes (Some religious groups, such as RCC, sell

items that are "designed" to protect or provide a special

blessing).

* drugs I(drugs open the mind to enemy's control)

* music (The enemy is drawn towards a person who listens to music that glorifies satan).

Victory from the enslavement of sin and the enemy is possible. The word of God gives seven keys to freedom.

• separation from sin (becoming dead to sin). Romans 6:11; gal. 5:24.

• Intimacy with God/Christ. Phil 1:21; Hebrews 12:1-2; james 4:7-8; gal. 2:20.

• Resisting the devil. James 4:7

• A yielded life. Romans 6:13; 12:1-2.

• Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor; 10:5; Col 3:1-2, Romans 12:2.

• The Word of God. ..truth. psalm 119:113, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

• Being filled (controlled by) the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18

There is much that unites us,

olger