How can we ensure we "drive out His enemies" in our personal lives? Opening Verse “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27) Seeing the Big Picture • God Himself undertakes the task of overthrowing every force that opposes Him. • Our role is to cooperate fully with His command so that nothing hostile to His rule is allowed to remain in our hearts, homes, or habits. Who or What Are “His Enemies” Today? • Sinful desires that wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11). • Satan and demonic influences (Ephesians 6:11–12). • Worldly philosophies that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4–5). • Any relationship, hobby, or possession that competes with wholehearted devotion to Christ (1 John 2:15–17). The Pattern God Gives: Three Key Observations 1. God drives out the enemy, but He does so “little by little” (Exodus 23:29–30). We grow in holiness progressively, not overnight. 2. Victory is guaranteed only as we remain in covenant obedience (Joshua 23:6–13). 3. If we spare what God has condemned, it will turn and wound us (Numbers 33:55). Practical Ways to Drive Them Out • Stand on the finished work of Christ – Colossians 2:15: “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them.” – Approach every battle from the position of Christ’s triumph, not from fear. • Submit before you resist – James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – Yielding every area to the Lordship of Jesus gives authority to resist successfully. • Put on the full armor daily (Ephesians 6:10–18) – Belt of truth: expose lies early. – Breastplate of righteousness: maintain a clear conscience. – Shoes of peace: refuse offense and discord. – Shield of faith: extinguish fiery doubts. – Helmet of salvation: guard thought life. – Sword of the Spirit: speak Scripture aloud. – Pray in the Spirit: keep communication lines open. • Wage war with the Word – Memorize and declare passages that target specific temptations (Psalm 119:11). – Replace sinful imaginations with God’s promises (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Cut off supply lines – Remove media, music, or environments that feed ungodliness (Romans 13:14). – Establish internet filters, accountability software, or schedule changes that eliminate opportunity for sin. • Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16,24: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” – Foster continual dependence through Scripture reading, worship, and fellowship. • Enlist the family of faith – Confess struggles to mature believers (James 5:16). – Invite correction and intercession; isolation breeds defeat. Warning Against Compromise “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). Even a small pocket of rebellion can become a stronghold. Like Israel, leaving one Canaanite city standing invited centuries of conflict. Living in the Victory He Provides • Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” • Keep short accounts with God; repent quickly when convicted. • Celebrate each step of ground taken—fruitfulness follows faithfulness (Exodus 23:30). • Set your hope on the day when every enemy will be placed under Christ’s feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). |
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