Closing The Door
1. The enemy often appears harmless
2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV) And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2. Small compromises open the door
Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV) nor give place [opportunity, foothold] to the devil.
3. Distraction is one of the enemy’s main tactics
Luke 21:34-36 (NLT) Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let the day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. …36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors…
4. The enemy strikes when we are unaware and unguarded
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
5. The damage of deception is often realized too late
John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.
John 14:30 (NLT) I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over Me…
James 5:16 (NIV) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Every believer has been granted authority through Jesus Christ. This authority isn’t earned—it’s a gift, a covenant right.
James 4:7 (AMP) Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.
How do we close that door and step into the freedom?
1. Recognize who’s the stronger man
Luke 11:14-22 (NLT) One day Jesus cast out a demon from a man who couldn’t speak, and when the demon was gone, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said, “No wonder He can cast out demons. He gets His power from Satan, the prince of demons.” …17 He knew their thoughts, so He said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed… 18 You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? …21 For when a strong man [Satan] is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe—22 until someone even stronger [Jesus] attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.
1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
2. Submit to God
James 4:7 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
“Spiritual authority only works when we are under authority.”
3. Acknowledge the open door
John 8:32 (NKJV) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
4. Confess and Repent
James 4:7-10 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
5. Bind and Loose
Matthew 18:18 (NIV) Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
6. Pray in the name of Jesus
John 14:13 (NIV) And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.
When Jesus told us to pray in His name, He was giving us access to His authority.
Are there any open doors in your life?