Don’t give the devil a foothold

Topics: God, Ephesians

I. Don't lie - speak the truth

A. The devil is a liar and the father of lies!

1. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25).

2. He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit (Proverbs 12:17).

B. Jesus is the truth and always spoke the truth!

[Jesus] who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22).

II. Don't sin - temper your anger

A. The devil is a murderer from the beginning!

1. Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
2. This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19, 20).

B. Jesus showed righteous indignation without sin!

After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored (Mark 3:5).

III. Don't steal - work hard & share

A. The devil came to steal, kill and destroy!

1. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need (Ephesians 4:28).
2. If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 11).

B. Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many!

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many? (Mark 10:45).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, October 5th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Don't give the devil a foothold

An important Guideline of Life Groups:

Getting Started:

1. Which guiding principle governs your life most often? The Old Self principle is "What" is in it for me? How will it benefit me?? The New Self principle is "What would Jesus do? How will it glorify my Lord"?
2. Do you believe that the devil is orchestrating the division in our culture? Do you believe that the devil highlights the fringe extremes to incite hatred? How can you combat this spiritual battle (John 16:33)?

Discussing Truths:

1. What are some common ways that people give the devil a foothold into their lives?
2. Why is it important to lay aside falsehood and speak truth to each other as members of Christ's body (Proverbs 12:17-22)?
3. How can you cultivate truth and honesty in your relationships (Philippians 4:8)?
4. What are some damaging impacts on the church family when lying and dishonesty are allowed to persist?
5. How do you distinguish between righteous anger and selfish anger (Proverbs 29:11)?
6. What do you think of the common counsel given to couples: Never go to bed angry! What does the proverbial saying mean, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger?"
7. When God rebuked the Israelites for robbing Him by withholding their tithes and offerings, what was His promise if they trusted Him and gave faithfully and generously (Malachi 3:8-11).

Now What? Application:

1. Since the devil is a defeated foe, but still prowls around like a roaring lion, how will you walk in victory with your words, your anger and your work to be a generous Christian?
2. In our "coddle culture" we have promoted laziness and irresponsibility. How will you live counter-cultural with your work ethic? Are you generous to others and the Lord?