Do Not Open the Door to Satan
Rev. Tse Amable | July 12, 2024 | John 13:18-30
KEY VERSE:
“As soon as Judas took the bread, SATAN ENTERED INTO HIM.” John 13:27 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
It seems Apostle John concentrated a great deal of his reportage of this final Passover meal Jesus Christ had with his disciples on Judas Iscariot. Apostle John began in verse 2 by reporting that “the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus”. We can say that Satan began his manoeuvres to capture Judas Iscariot and to use him for the wicked act of betraying Jesus Christ earlier than on this occasion. Our key verse for today seems to be a seal on the transaction. SATAN ENTERED INTO JUDAS ISCARIOT.
Know that Satan and his demons are spirit beings. To successfully execute their agenda on earth, they must enter the spirit, soul and body of a human being and use it. Jesus Christ revealed how unclean spirits operate. He said “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45). That is what happened to Judas Iscariot.
Satan wants to gain entry into your spirit, soul and body. As a believer, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Satan can only enter you if there is a vacuum in your spirit and soul. When Satan enters, he will destroy you. Therefore do not give Satan access to your spirit and soul. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR TO SATAN. Instead, open the door of your spirit and soul to Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What are you doing which constitutes opening the door of your spirit, soul and body for Satan to enter? Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
PRAYER:
Lord, I give You my soul, I live for you alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake, Lord, have Your way in me.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: ENTERED
The Greek word translated as "entered" in John 13:27 is "εἰσῆλθεν" (eisēlthen), derived from the verb "εἰσέρχομαι" (eiserchomai), which means "to go into," "enter," or "come in." This word can describe physical entry into a place, but in this context, it signifies a spiritual or metaphorical entry, indicating a possession or influence over a person.
The entry of Satan into Judas highlights the culmination of a gradual process of yielding to evil influences and rejecting the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This event serves as a stark warning about the dangers of opening oneself to satanic influence. Judas’ betrayal was not a sudden decision but a result of persistent unrepentance and ignoring divine promptings. By allowing greed and disillusionment to take root in his heart, Judas ultimately opened the door for Satan to enter and exert control over him.
Reflections:
Judas' story reminds us to guard against spiritual vulnerability. Our choices can invite God's presence or open the door to Satan. Remaining steadfast in prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance is essential to prevent the enemy’s influence.
What areas of your life might be vulnerable to the influence of the enemy, and how can you actively guard against opening the door to Satan?
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