THE DEVIL'S PLACE IN MAN (Eph. 4:27)

Intro.

1.Text suggests the devil can gain a place in man and that man must resist his efforts to do so.

2.Satan indwells man through sin (1 Jn. 3:8) 3.Observe that the devil's place in man: 

I. IS A SOUGHT PLACE

A. Satan continually seeks an opening                                                                         l.To gain the advantage (2 Cor. 2:11)                                                                      2.As a roaring lion, seeks whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8) 

B.He desires to have all men as he desired Peter (Lk. 22:31)                                       1.As he sought to have Eve, Job, Ananias and Sapphira and even Christ.                  2.He employs his devices, fiery darts, and deception to gain a place. 

II. IS A GIVEN PLACE

A. Only place Satan can have in man is that which man gives                                          1.Must stand steadfast in the faith (1 Pet. 5:9)                                                        2. Resist him and he will flee (Jas. 4:7) 3.Therefore, man has responsibility to resist' 

B. Every man can have power over Satan!                                                                      1.Man is able to endure the temptation (1 Cor. 10:13)                                              2.Earliest resistance is easiest resistance.

III. IS A GROWING PLACE

A. Because sin begets more sin                                                                                 1.Recall David's sin with Bathsheba (looking, lusting, sending, adultery, lying, murder of Uriah)                                                                                                                           2.Involves an attitude, not merely an act. Weakens resistance. 

B. Because sin blinds and hardens and thus, perpetuates itself                                       1. Heb. 3:13, hardened by deceitfulness of sin.                                                       2.2 Cor. 4:4, blinded minds.                                                                                  3.To countenance any sin is to give Satan an expanded base to operate.

 IV. IS A DISTRACTING PLACE

A. Diverts interest and attention                                                                                   1.From things above to things on this earth (Col. 3:2)                                                 2.From God and others to self.                                                                                 3.Hinders singleness of mind (2 Cor. 11:3)

B. As the "thorny" soil of Luke 8                                                                                 1.Word of God choked out by cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. 

V. IS A DESTRUCTIVE PLACE

A. Satan is our adversary whose aim is to "devour" 1.1 Pet. 5:8

B. To serve sin and Satan results in sharing his fate (Matt. 25:41)