How can we ensure our practices align with God's commands? The Warning of 2 Kings 17:8 “and they followed the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, and the customs that the kings of Israel had introduced.” (2 Kings 17:8) What Went Wrong • Israel copied surrounding cultures instead of obeying God’s revealed will • The result was judgment, exile, and loss of testimony • The same drift threatens anyone who treats God’s commands as optional Core Principles for Staying Aligned • Scripture above culture – Leviticus 18:3: “You must not follow their statutes.” – Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Whole-hearted devotion, not selective obedience – Deuteronomy 12:32: “Be careful to do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.” – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Ongoing discernment – Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” – 1 John 4:1 calls for testing every spirit against revealed truth Practical Steps for Daily Life • Daily immersion in God’s Word—read, study, memorize, meditate (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2) • Compare every tradition, habit, or trend with clear biblical teaching; discard what conflicts • Choose fellowship that encourages obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Welcome loving accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 27:17) • Confess and turn from sin quickly (1 John 1:9) • Depend on the Spirit for power to obey (Galatians 5:16) Encouraging Promise Obedience brings God’s favor and stability. “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.” (Psalm 112:1) |
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