In what ways can we ensure complete obedience to God's commands today? The Context of Judges 1:36 • “And the border of the Amorites ran from the Ascent of Akrabbim to Sela and beyond.” (Judges 1:36) • Israel was commanded to drive out every Canaanite people (Deuteronomy 7:2). • Instead, a line remained where Amorite rule held sway. An enemy‐drawn border marked Israel’s half-obedience. • The lesson: partial obedience always leaves territory where sin can regroup. What Partial Obedience Cost Israel • Ongoing oppression (Judges 2:14). • Spiritual compromise through idolatry (Judges 2:17). • Lost testimony of the living God among the nations (Judges 2:20-23). Lessons on Complete Obedience • Obedience must be wholehearted—nothing held back. “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60) • Compromise, however small, spreads. “A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.” (Galatians 5:9) • Rebellion equals rejecting God’s authority. “Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23) Practical Steps for Believers Today Know the Command • Daily engage Scripture: “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth…” (Joshua 1:8) • Let every decision be measured against the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yield to the Spirit • “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27) • Walk by the Spirit and the flesh loses its grip (Galatians 5:16). Draw Clear Boundaries • Remove footholds: “Make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14) • Guard eyes, ears, relationships and habits; no Amorite borders hidden in daily life. Act Immediately • Quick obedience keeps temptation from taking root. Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience (Psalm 119:60). Cultivate Accountability • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Trusted believers help expose lingering strongholds. Practice Ongoing Repentance • Confess sin promptly: “He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) • Repentance tears down spiritual fortresses (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Stand Your Ground • “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) • Spiritual warfare is fought by continual submission, not by human strength. Love Motivates Obedience • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Love for Christ transforms obedience from duty into delight. Encouragement from the New Testament • Jesus models perfect obedience (Philippians 2:8). • The Spirit empowers where our strength ends (Romans 8:11-14). • Grace trains us “to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11-12). A Final Picture of Obedience Israel’s unfinished conquest drew a human line on God’s promised land. Christ erased every line the enemy tried to draw—He conquered fully. By abiding in Him, we can finish the assignments He gives, leaving no territory to sin, and reflecting His holiness in every corner of life today. |
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