How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as in Joshua 22:18? Setting the Scene “ And are you now turning away from following the LORD? If you rebel against the LORD today, He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel tomorrow.” (Joshua 22:18) Core Truths Drawn from Joshua 22:18 • God views rebellion as contagious; one group’s sin endangers the whole community (cf. Numbers 16:1-35). • Immediate obedience protects future generations (Deuteronomy 5:29). • Alignment with His will is not optional; it is covenantal, binding, and blessed (Joshua 1:7-8). Principles for Keeping Our Actions in Step with God’s Will • Know His revealed Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Love Him first, obey Him fully – “Be very careful to love the LORD…walk in all His ways…serve Him with all your heart.” (Joshua 22:5) – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Guard against partial obedience – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23) – Small compromises grow into open rebellion (Galatians 5:9). • Maintain godly accountability – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – The western tribes confronted the eastern tribes; loving correction protects unity (Joshua 22:15-20). • Examine motives continually – “The word of God…judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) – Ask, “Is this for God’s glory or for my convenience?” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Cultivate a repentant spirit – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) – “Whoever conceals his sins does not prosper.” (Proverbs 28:13) • Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16-18) – Renew your mind daily so you can “test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Daily Checkpoints to Stay Aligned ▪ Morning: Read a portion of Scripture, asking, “What command must I obey today?” ▪ Mid-day: Pause to review actions—are they springing from love for God? ▪ Evening: Reflect with a trusted believer; invite honest feedback. ▪ Weekly: Gather with the congregation for worship and teaching (Acts 2:42). ▪ Life-long: Memorize key verses that confront your specific weaknesses (Psalm 119:11). Consequences of Misalignment (For Our Warning) • Achan’s hidden sin cost Israel a battle (Joshua 7). • Saul’s partial obedience lost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15). • Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit brought swift judgment (Acts 5:1-11). God’s discipline is real, but always meant to restore (Hebrews 12:5-11). Encouraging Assurance • God delights to guide willing hearts (Psalm 32:8). • His Spirit equips us to do “all that pleases Him through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21). • Staying teachable and obedient keeps us safely within His perfect will—today and “tomorrow” alike (Joshua 22:18). |
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