Doors are meant to be opened and closed, and some doors should stay shut. In Part 2 of Close the Door, Pastor Niel asks a searching question from Ephesians 4:17–32: what have we been allowing? Some of the doors we open are not sinful in themselves, yet they do not help us move forward with God.
Paul tells believers to no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds, darkened in their understanding because of the hardness of their hearts (Ephesians 4:17–18). A door left open long enough becomes familiar, and what becomes familiar can slowly harden the heart.
Guard against a hardened heart
Hardening happens gradually. What once troubled our conscience becomes normal, and we lose sensitivity to the Spirit’s conviction (Ephesians 4:19). Hebrews 3:13 calls us to exhort one another every day, so that none of us is hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Put off the old self and put on the new
Salvation happens in an instant, but the old self still has to be put off (Ephesians 4:22–24). Romans 13:14 tells us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh. Just as we get dressed every morning, we put on Christ every morning.
Name what you have made room for
Ephesians 4:25–32 names what crowds out life in the Spirit: falsehood, unresolved anger, stealing, corrupt talk, bitterness, slander, and malice. Unforgiveness, resentment, harsh words, and unhealthy relationships can quietly weigh us down. Be honest about your own patterns, and replace them with kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness, as God in Christ forgave you.
Let God take away the appetite
James 1:14–15 shows how desire draws us away, gives birth to sin, and leads to death. Jesus said the ruler of this world had no claim on Him (John 14:30). As we keep the doors closed, the Holy Spirit can take away the appetite itself, until what once tempted us no longer has a hold.
Disciples are not content to simply sit in church; we want to grow. So ask the question honestly: “What have I been allowing?” Then close that door, and keep it closed.
A prayer for today
Lord, show me the doors I have left open. Soften my heart where it has grown hard, and help me put on Christ each day. Take away every desire that pulls me from You, and make me someone You can trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Based on Pastor Niel Petersen’s Wednesday night message at Harvest Revival Center, November 4, 2026.
