What steps can we take to avoid being "unable to stand" before enemies? Key verse: Joshua 7:12 “This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.” What made Israel collapse at Ai • Hidden, unconfessed sin (Achan kept what God had forbidden) • Presumption—rushing into battle without seeking the Lord’s direction (7:2–3) • Disregard for God’s holiness; the camp tolerated what He had labeled “devoted to destruction” • Loss of God’s manifest presence: “I will no longer be with you” (7:12) Why the same danger threatens us • Sin quenches the Spirit and severs fellowship (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 4:30) • Self-reliance blinds us to spiritual realities (Proverbs 3:5–7) • Compromise spreads; one person’s secret disobedience can imperil an entire community (1 Corinthians 5:6) Steps that keep us standing 1. Continual heart examination – “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23–24). Invite the Lord to expose anything devoted to destruction in thought, attitude, media, relationships, habits. 2. Swift, decisive repentance – Remove what He reveals, not merely regret it (Joshua 7:13; 1 John 1:9). 3. Daily consecration – Set yourself apart afresh: time in the Word, worship, obedience (Romans 12:1–2). 4. Seek God’s guidance before acting – Joshua learned the hard way; we pray first, plan second (Proverbs 16:3; James 1:5). 5. Walk in corporate accountability – Share struggles with trusted believers; isolation breeds defeat (Hebrews 3:13; James 5:16). 6. Clothe yourself in God’s armor – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm…” (Ephesians 6:10–13). 7. Rely on the Lord’s presence, not numbers or skill – “The LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you” (Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalm 20:7). 8. Stay humble in victory and defeat – Success can invite complacency; humility keeps dependence alive (1 Peter 5:6–9). 9. Remember God’s covenant faithfulness – Obedience positions us under His promised protection (Leviticus 26:3–8; Deuteronomy 28:7). 10. Guard the camp – Parents, pastors, and leaders ensure homes and churches remain free of known sin (Acts 5:1–11; 2 Corinthians 7:1). Reinforcing Scriptures • Leviticus 26:14–17—defeat linked to disobedience • Deuteronomy 28:25—curse of fleeing seven ways • 2 Chronicles 7:14—healing follows humble repentance • Psalm 24:3–5—clean hands and a pure heart ascend the hill of the Lord • James 4:7–8—submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee Take-home truth Standing or stumbling before enemies hinges on our fellowship with the Holy One. When sin is confessed, removed, and replaced with wholehearted obedience, the God who once withheld His presence stands beside us—and no enemy can stand against Him. |
    |