Ephesians 4:26-27 — Foothold = *denied*

READ THIS: Ephesians 4:26-27

26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Verse 26 is in quotes because it is referencing Psalm 4:4! And this whole little section kind of starts to mean something a bit different than what it seems like when you know that Psalm. It's only 8 verses, so click here to read it!

The psalm is from David, and he is SO angry at all the sin that is happening that he yells out to God, asking Him how long He's going to let people do messed up stuff to him. But, in the midst of it, David kind of hears from God (at least that's the way I read it, fact check me), and God says that it's okay to be angry, but think about it, see where your heart is right with God or not, and pursue the right things of God. 

Anger is a foothold...it's like in rock climbing where the only way to the top of the rock is through different footholds and handholds. One foothold gets you a bit closer to the top. Anger is a little foothold for the enemy to get into your heart. The top of his rock is making you not right with God. He wants to mess up your relationship. Instead of stewing in anger, it is important to check your own heart and go to the people who are making you angry (if you have a personal relationship with them) as soon as you can. 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What does it mean to "not let the sun go down" when you're mad? Do you think that's literal or figurative? (Literal= if you're mad and you don't go to someone before 12am, you're a sinner. Figurative= if you're mad, go to that person as soon as you can) (there's an argument for either!)

2. Where do you think you have given the enemy a foothold this week?
 
TRY THIS:
 
When you get super angry in the next few minutes, days, hours, try talking back to the enemy. Tell him that he doesn't get a foothold, then ask God to help you straight up deny the enemy a foothold. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 18, 2023 at 6:19 AM

    I know the scripture, and your explanation of it is so good!!! That we direct our anger to the one who initiates it-satan-and not the person who says it. That will be very helpful going forward.

    ReplyDelete

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