How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, avoiding Moab's mistakes? Setting the Scene: Moab’s Tragic Example Jeremiah 48:9: “Give wings to Moab, for she will flee away; her cities will become a wasteland, with no one to dwell in them.” • Moab had every opportunity to know the Lord through Israel’s witness, yet chose pride, self-reliance, and idolatry. • The result was total desolation—an enduring warning that God opposes any nation or person who hardens the heart against Him (see Jeremiah 48:7, 11, 26, 29). Moab’s Core Mistakes • Trusting in wealth and works: “Because you have trusted in your deeds and riches, you also will be captured” (Jeremiah 48:7). • Complacency instead of repentance: “Moab has been at ease from his youth…he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel” (Jeremiah 48:11). • Prideful self-exaltation: “We have heard of Moab’s pride—how very proud he is” (Jeremiah 48:29). • Open defiance of the Lord: “Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he has defied the Lord” (Jeremiah 48:42). Principles for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Humility before God – James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – Micah 6:8: “Walk humbly with your God.” • Heart-level trust, not self-reliance – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” • Obedient living shaped by Scripture – Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Persistent dependence on Christ – John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Quick, honest repentance – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Practical Steps for Today • Daily intake of God’s Word – Set aside unhurried time to read, meditate, and memorize; let Scripture recalibrate motives. • Prayerful surrender of plans – Bring every decision under the Lord’s scrutiny (Philippians 4:6-7). • Regular self-examination – Ask, “Where am I leaning on my own strength?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Accountable relationships – Invite trusted believers to speak truth and correction (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Active service and generosity – Use gifts to bless others, loosening any grip on pride or possessions (1 Peter 4:10). • Swift confession when convicted – Keep short accounts with God; lingering sin breeds Moab-like hardness. Encouragement from God’s Promises • Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” • Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who love God.” • Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” Avoiding Moab’s outcome is not about frantic striving; it is about consistent, humble alignment with the clear, life-giving will of God revealed in His Word and empowered by His Spirit. |
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