#1458. Do not give the devil a foothold (23/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:26–27, let’s reflect on how we engage in powerful spiritual warfare each day — by telling the truth and dealing with broken relationships.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

When we think about allowing demonic powers influence in our lives, what comes to mind? What do we imagine opens the door to spiritual oppression - in us and around us? Do we realise how powerful simple obedience can be? Do we understand the spiritual weight of telling the truth and resolving relational tension? Paul connects very ordinary sins with serious spiritual consequences. 

1. Lies give the devil a foothold

We give the devil a foothold when we speak falsehood — when we lie, distort, exaggerate, or conceal the truth.

Jesus describes the devil as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Lying reflects his character. Truth reflects God’s.

When we lie, even subtly, we cooperate with the enemy. But when we speak truthfully - especially within the body of Christ - we resist him.

Truth strengthens unity because “we are all members of one body.” Lies fracture trust. Truth builds it.

Spiritual warfare is not always dramatic. Often, it is as practical as choosing honesty over deception

2. Unresolved anger opens the door to the demonic

Paul is realistic: ‘In your anger do not sin.’ Anger itself is not always sinful. But it becomes destructive when it is nursed, justified, or allowed to linger. Rather, we respond to anger with:

When we hold on to anger rather than pursue reconciliation, we give the devil room to operate. Bitterness grows. Division deepens. Relationships weaken.

Unresolved anger creates spiritual vulnerability - in marriages, families, friendships, and churches.

Seeking restoration shuts that door.  

3. Simple obedience is powerful spiritual warfare

I guess you’ve heard the idea that many of us want to change the world, but we are not prepared to change ourselves! We speak and maybe even campaign against injustices in the world whilst we make no effort to tidy the space and relationships that we actually inhabit. This is foolishness!

Simple obedience in the life you have is powerful spiritual warfare! When we hear the phrase ‘spiritual warfare,’ we may imagine dramatic encounters. Yet Paul shows us that daily spiritual victory is won in very ordinary ways:

• Tell the truth.

• Refuse deception.

• Deal with anger quickly.

• Pursue reconciliation.

Sin entered the world through believing and spreading a lie - the lie that it was acceptable to disobey God. That lie fractured humanity’s relationship with God and with one another.

Truth-telling and peacemaking are part of undoing the damage of the Fall.

Every act of honesty and every step toward reconciliation pushes back darkness. This is the gospel at work in everyday life.

Response

Are we prepared to tell the truth - even when it is costly?

Are we peacemakers who, like Jesus, take the initiative to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation? 

Do we refuse coercion, remembering that we cannot control others’ responses, let’s remember: 

Finally, is this a stronghold in your life? Some people seem to experience repeated relational breakdown. Even some Christians can fall into patterns of “cancelling” others, withdrawing quickly, or leaving churches whenever disappointment arises. Over time, this becomes a pattern rather than an exception. Is this something you recognise in yourself? Do you form friendships, only to distance yourself when others fail to meet your expectations? Are unresolved hurts quietly shaping how you respond to people?

Today, we have a choice: will we give the devil a foothold, or will we resist him by speaking truth and dealing with anger quickly and graciously? Let us choose the path that reflects Christ - truthfulness, humility, and peacemaking - and in doing so, deny the enemy any ground in our lives.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a healthy balance between discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday we continued our series:

Ephesians: To the Praise, for the Purpose, in the Power of God

From Ephesians 4:25–32, the message was:

‘Let’s put on the things of the Holy Spirit rather than the devil so as to enjoy healthy relationships.’

Please read Ephesians 4:25–32 together before discussing.

1. Personal Reflection

• From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Holy Spirit particularly impressed on your heart? Is there an area where you sense God calling you to change?

2. v.25 – Put on Truth, Not Falsehood

• Why do you think truthfulness comes first in this list?

• How does dishonesty damage relationships and church unity?

• In what subtle ways might we struggle with truthfulness (exaggeration, concealment, image management)?

3. v.26–27 – Put on Peace-Making, Not Bitterness

• Paul says unresolved anger can ‘give the devil a foothold.’ Why?

• What does it look like to deal with anger in a healthy, godly way?

4. v.28 – Put on Usefulness and Generosity

• What does this verse teach about work, productivity, and purpose?

• How does usefulness connect to generosity?

• Are we being wasteful with our time, energy, or gifts - or intentional and fruitful?

• How might God be prompting us to grow in generosity?

5. v.29–32 – Put on Speech that Builds

• Where do we most struggle in the area of speech? (tone, criticism, gossip, harshness, social media, etc.)

• Why is speech so powerful in shaping the health of a church?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Being a light -  How does ‘putting off’ sinful patterns and ‘putting on’ Spirit-led character make the gospel attractive? In what ways does relational health strengthen our witness?

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation? What is one small step you could take this week?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?

For Church Finances

Our passage speaks of usefulness and generosity. Please pray for our church finances. Despite growth in numbers, financial giving has not increased proportionally.

Please pray:

• For cheerful and faith-filled generosity.

• For wisdom and stewardship as a church.

• Personally consider whether God may be calling you to begin giving or to increase your giving.