“And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.” — 1 Chronicles 4:41
“Neither give place to the devil.” — Ephesians 4:27
The men of Simeon found a land with good pasture, but before they could enjoy it, they had to remove the inhabitants and destroy the old strongholds. They understood that blessing could not be possessed while the enemy remained.
In the same way, believers cannot enjoy spiritual growth while allowing sin, bitterness, compromise, or worldly influences to occupy territory in their hearts. Paul warned, “Neither give place to the devil.” Every area surrendered to sin becomes a foothold for the enemy.
If we desire the green pastures of God’s blessing, we must be willing to remove whatever competes with Christ for control.
Israel and the Unremoved Enemies — Judges 2:2-3
Joshua challenged Israel to fully possess the land God had given them. When Israel failed to drive out all the inhabitants, those enemies later became snares and sources of trouble. Unremoved enemies became future problems.
Ananias — Acts 5:3
Ananias gave place to Satan through deceit. “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?”
A small compromise in the heart became a great spiritual disaster because he allowed the enemy room to operate.
Every believer has territory to guard — thoughts, relationships, habits, and affections. What we tolerate today may become a stronghold tomorrow.
Remove the enemy’s footholds, fill your life with God’s Word, and enjoy the pasture of fellowship with the Good Shepherd.
Two Words: Guard Territory. Remove Strongholds.