My generation really missed out. We didn’t have climbing walls with those weirdly shaped colored plastic footholds. We instead risked our lives climbing trees or the muddy banks of rivers and creeks. No harnesses, colorful nylon ropes, pulleys, or foam rubber mats to catch us. How did any of us survive?
But the walls kids climb today serve as a good illustration of the starting place for setting people free from the brokenness of their past and the spirits who harass them. Let me explain . . .
We’ve begun a new series of articles about spiritual warfare. The last few weeks, I’ve pointed out how we will be blindsided by attacks from the enemy, but can still respond with wisdom. We also looked at the importance of recruiting a team of gifted intercessors who share your heart and vision for setting captives free.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church is our battlefield manual, and in the fourth chapter we find insight about footholds:
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 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. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:25-29 NIV)
A few verses earlier, Paul urged these young believers to “no longer walk as the gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds . . . “ He was calling them to repent from the old ways and put on the new. So in the above passage, those who lie are called to speak truth. The angry are to resolve their issues instead of letting them fester. Thieves are to repent and get a job. You get the idea.
Now note the word “foothold” in verse 27. The Greek word for this is topos from which we get the word “topographical.” In short, Paul warns that if you are angry and hold onto it until you are bitter, then you are giving a piece of your soul to the evil one where he can hang on and use some leverage.
This is true not only with those with anger issues. Any willful sin, whether found in Ephesians 4 or elsewhere, can provide a foothold for the enemy. It’s not formulaic. You don’t give footholds every time you allow sin to remain in your life. But the potential is there. This seems especially true with repeated sexual sins.
So a key first step in setting people free is learning how to deal with footholds.
(As stated two weeks ago, more sensitive issues will be restricted to paid subscribers only. If you would like to become a Tsunami Surfing supporter, you can use the button below. Then you will have full access to all articles, have access to Zoom events, and join us in the comment section.)