In what ways can we avoid deception by relying on God's wisdom today? The Backstory: How Joshua 9:24 Warns Us Israel had just seen Jericho fall and Ai conquered, yet the Gibeonites fooled them with worn-out sacks and stale bread. They confessed, “We feared greatly for our lives… and that is why we did this” (Joshua 9:24). Deception worked because, earlier, “the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek counsel from the LORD” (Joshua 9:14). The lesson is timeless: whenever we lean on senses and swift judgments instead of God’s insight, we invite trouble. Lesson 1: Let Scripture Light Every Decision • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Hebrews 4:12—God’s word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Practical takeaways – Keep a habit of daily reading; familiarity breeds discernment. – Measure every opportunity, philosophy, or promise against clear biblical teaching. – If a claim contradicts Scripture, no further testing is needed—reject it. Lesson 2: Ask Before You Act • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Practical takeaways – Make prayer the first response, not the last resort. – Pause long enough for God to answer; haste is a breeding ground for deceit. – Keep a decision journal: note requests for wisdom and record how God guides. Lesson 3: Test Everything • 1 Thessalonians 5:21—“Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • 1 John 4:1—“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” Practical takeaways – Verify facts; truth never fears inspection. – Look for fruit (Matthew 7:16); godly claims produce godly character. – Compare counsel from others with the whole counsel of God’s Word. Lesson 4: Stay in Step with the Spirit • John 16:13—“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Galatians 5:25—“Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Practical takeaways – Cultivate sensitivity through regular worship, confession, and obedience. – The Spirit never contradicts Scripture; harmony confirms His voice. – Maintain peace as an umpire (Colossians 3:15); unrest can signal danger. Lesson 5: Seek Godly Counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many advisers.” Practical takeaways – Surround yourself with mature believers who know the Word. – Invite honest feedback; pride blinds, humility clarifies. – Weigh counsel collectively—one voice can err, several concordant voices rarely do. Practical Checklist for Today 1. Pause: refuse snap commitments. 2. Pray: ask the Lord for wisdom. 3. Probe: examine claims against Scripture. 4. Partner: consult trusted, mature believers. 5. Proceed: move forward only when Scripture, Spirit, and counsel align. Encouragement for the Journey The same Lord who exposed Gibeon’s ruse ultimately turned it for Israel’s good (Joshua 10). He still redeems mistakes, yet far better is to avoid them. By saturating our minds with His Word, praying first, testing all things, walking with the Spirit, and seeking wise counsel, we live in God’s wisdom and stand safeguarded against deception—today and every day. |
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