Lest They Should Believe and Be Saved

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12)

The enemy isn’t going to wait to see if you take the Word or not. The moment you hear the Word given, he is already moving to snatch it away before it can do anything in your life or your heart. He is rushing. He isn’t wasting any time. Why? Because he understands the power of the Word in your life.

The Greek word “saved” in this verse is sozo and it doesn’t just cover going to Heaven; it also means healing, deliverance, wholeness, and soundness. The Word is the key to the abundant life God has called believers to have.

When sin first entered the picture, it didn’t just mess with Adam and Eve’s bodies; it messed with their whole system—their body, soul, and spirit. Their understanding and emotions were now being messed with; their bodies would have to deal with the pain and issues of this world, and their spirits were separated from a personal relationship with God.

So when God talks about salvation, He isn’t referring just to your spirit, but to everything that man lost in the Garden being returned to its right place. This includes your spirit being made new, your mind being renewed, and your body walking in divine health all the days of your life.

That's exactly why the enemy moves so fast. He's not scared of a Sunday morning feeling. He's scared of what happens when that Word settles in and starts working on all three fronts at once. That's worth fighting to protect.

Practical Application

The next time a strong Word from God hits you, protect it fast. Don't let the day talk you out of it before it has a chance to settle.

Acts 10:38; Psalm 107:20