What actions can we take to align with God's will as shown here? Setting the scene “We devoted them to destruction just as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, destroying the men, women, and children of every city.” (Deuteronomy 3:6) God ordered total elimination of an entrenched, God-resistant culture. Israel obeyed without trimming the command. The passage spotlights full, uncompromising obedience to God’s revealed will. Actions that keep us aligned with God’s will today • Take God’s words at face value—no editing, no softening (Psalm 119:160). • Respond promptly; delayed obedience quickly turns into disobedience (James 4:17). • Deal ruthlessly with sin and spiritual compromise—“Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). • Separate from influences that keep Christ from ruling every corner of life (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Remember and rehearse prior victories; past faithfulness fuels current courage (Deuteronomy 7:17-19). • Stand under God-appointed leadership when it is anchored in Scripture (Hebrews 13:17). • Trust God’s justice when His ways seem severe; He alone knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 55:8-9). Other passages that echo the call • 1 Samuel 15:3 & 23 — Saul’s partial obedience cost him the kingdom. • Joshua 6:17-18 — Jericho put “under the ban” teaches complete devotion. • Romans 8:13 — “By the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 — Weapons are spiritual for demolishing strongholds. • Galatians 5:24 — Those who belong to Christ “have crucified the flesh.” • Hebrews 12:1 — Lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles. Practical next steps 1. Identify persistent sins or influences that dull your love for the Lord. 2. Confess them specifically, then remove every avenue back to them—change passwords, end toxic relationships, discard objects. 3. Replace old strongholds with active pursuit of Christ: Scripture intake, fellowship, service. 4. Keep short accounts with God; daily repentance prevents hardened patterns. 5. Celebrate victories, large or small, giving glory to God who empowers obedience. |
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