So far in our study we have learned that we must first give ourselves to God (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 4:1-2) – this is vital to our learning, obeying, and flourishing – we must choose God over self. Next, we need to give thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 13:15, Colossians 1:12) – developing a sincere gratitude for God’s blessings will fortify our trust and encourage our obedience. After that, we looked at the need to give glory to God (Psalm 29:1-2, 1 Peter 2:9) – all we have is from God: our abilities, our wherewithal, time and opportunity (ex: Deuteronomy 8:18, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:10). We are simply sharing from the abundant supply He has granted us (Psalm 68:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) – so we need to give Him the praise, tell others that it was by His blessings you could be a benefit to them, and that it is God to whom all glory is due!
Now, if you’re
already flourishing in these areas; that is wonderful! Keep going! Keep growing!!
And, if you’re desiring to flourish in these areas, keep trying! Discover what
happens when you don’t give up!! Whatever stage of development you find
yourself at, I would like you to consider and area to watch out for; a circumstance in which we are instructed NOT to give.
Do Not Give Place to the Devil
Throughout Ephesians
4 to 6, Paul teaches Christians how to walk worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1), and one of the many instructions
he gives is found in chapter 4, verses 26-27: “”Be angry and do not sin”: do
not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” We
are to resolve our quarrels quickly (Proverbs
17:14), otherwise we leave ourselves open to the devil’s temptations (consider God’s instruction about sin in
Genesis 4:7, and Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5:21-26).
The command
to not give place to the devil is applicable everywhere in our lives, not just
in the matter of harbouring anger. Anytime
we choose self over God we give the devil a foothold in our lives. For
example: You choose __(fill in the blank)__ over attending worship services one
week (or any other good and proper thing), the devil will certainly take advantage of that and feed you all sorts of
lies as you struggle to justify your choice; he may even work to create more
opportunities/invitations that keep you on the same selfish path, all in an
effort to distract you from attending faith-fortifying assemblies/activities (remember what faith does to his fiery darts,
Ephesians 6:16).
Don’t make it easy for the devil to claim you:
- Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7)
- Put on the full armour of God, so that you can stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil (Ephesians 6:11)
- Be sober, be vigilant – the devil walks about looking for someone to devour; resist him – get help from your brethren, be a help to your brethren - we need to band together and stand against him (1 Peter 5:8-9)
- Keep watch over yourself (that you are in Jesus and walking as He walked, 1 John 2:3-6), stay on guard, and the wicked one will not touch you (1 John 5:18)
When we
flourish in giving ourselves to God, in giving thanks to Him, and in giving Him
the glory, we are guarding ourselves from giving place to the devil – so keep
flourishing in giving what is good and right to our gracious and loving Father
in heaven and resist the temptation to give place to the devil!
You can do it! So can I!!
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