Do not give the devil a foothold
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:17-27)
Ephesians says three things leading up to the commandment not to give the devil a foothold. First, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, which is lording themselves over others to be first. Next, you should speak truth to each other, third, that you do not let the sun go down on your anger.
Peter wanted to be first, next, when he was told who the betrayer was (at his request) he said nothing to him. Finally, he did not change his heart until the rooster crowed in the morning. This allowed a foothold for the devil to do something quickly in Judas that resulted in Jesus’ death.
11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:11)
18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18)
References
Ephesians 4:17-27
John 19:11
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 20:25
John 13:21-27
Romans 5:20
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