What steps can we take to avoid being deceived like Israel in Joshua 9? A Deceptive Encounter (Joshua 9:3) “But the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, and they resorted to a ruse.” Where Israel Slipped • They trusted their eyes and ears instead of God’s voice (Joshua 9:12–13). • They accepted flattery and a fabricated story (9:9–10). • “ … but they did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” (9:14) Steps That Guard Us from Similar Deception 1. Stay Prayer-Dependent • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart … in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God … and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) 2. Measure Everything by Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • “The Bereans were more noble … for they examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) 3. Test the Spirits • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) 4. Examine the Fruit, Not the Packaging • “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) • A worn-out wineskin (Joshua 9:13) is meaningless if the heart is deceitful. 5. Seek Multiple Godly Voices • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Joshua consulted leaders only after the treaty was signed (9:18); we should reverse that order. 6. Refuse to Be Rushed • “Whoever believes will not act hastily.” (Isaiah 28:16) • Urgency is a favorite tool of deception; wisdom waits for God’s green light. 7. Keep the Armor On • “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) • Truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word are God’s built-in safeguards. Living the Safeguards Daily • Begin each day inviting God’s direction before decisions are on the table. • Run unexpected opportunities through the filter of Scripture and prayer. • Welcome accountability; let trusted believers question anything that feels rushed or unclear. • Stay alert—deception often looks like a shortcut to something good. Encouraging Closing Thought Israel’s mistake was real history, yet God turned it into a lesson for discernment and a reminder of His faithfulness. When we pause to seek His counsel, test every voice by His Word, and walk in humble dependence, we can navigate a deceptive world with the clarity He gladly provides. |
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