Wickedness in its entirety is challenged by the authority of our Lord and King. The word "wicked" brings up the imagery of crime. Little do we realize that even in the Church, wicked ones are present. They are identified by the clever words used to attack the supernatural advances of God’s Kingdom.

Job’s friend in his speech to him: "Your wickedness is evident by what you say; ….There is no need for me to condemn you; you are condemned by every word you speak". (Job 15:5-6) "Did you overhear the plans God made? Does human wisdom belong to you alone? There is nothing you know that we don't know." (Job15:8)—these words give us a clear picture of the wicked one, speaking and challenging the authentic authority of the wisdom of God in His servant Job. "Now listen, Job, to what I know. Those who are wise have taught me truths which they learned from their ancestors…" (Job15:18)—reveals the source of the wicked one, his ancestors. The person through whom the wicked one is speaking was Job’s friend! This closeness in friendship provided the opportunity. This is a lesson for us: we must be careful of such moves. For instance, we may be convinced that God is leading us, but the wicked one will use a fellow believer to lead us astray and we will end up disregarding the plans of God.

We have the example of Peter, while in the presence of Lord he tried to stop Him from going to the cross; But Jesus rebuked Peter. "Get away from me, Satan," he said. "Your thoughts don't come from God but from human nature!" (Mark 8:33).  Here we see the Lord discerning the presence of the wicked one.

The rooms that accommodate the enemy within us are: Impatience, Grumbling, Pride, Anger, Malice, Bitterness, Hatred, Self-confidence, Disobedience etc. These and many more when seen in us, make us more vulnerable to the enemy’s service rather than God’s authority. This is why we must make No room for the wicked!

God always observes his people to empower them for his service.  So when he notices a particular vessel occupied by the enemy, he has only two options.

 

1. Open their eyes and ears and then give them the opportunity to repent.
    

2. Shake His people for them to clearly see their condition, and then throw the worthless ones away. "I will give the command and shake the people of Israel like grain in a sieve. I will shake them among the nations to remove all who are worthless." (Amos 9:9)

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Be vigilant and sensitive to the voice of the Spirit. If a fellow believer after several counsels and prayers does not change,  let him go because the Lord in His wisdom has made it clear that there is no room for the wicked.

 

Caution:

"Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Be firm in your faith and resist him,.... the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation."

-1 Peter 5:8-10