How can we encourage others to remain faithful, avoiding rebellion like in Joshua 22:18? Setting the Scene in Joshua 22:18 “The whole assembly…” warned the eastern tribes, “And yet today you are turning away from following the LORD! If you rebel against the LORD today, He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel tomorrow.” (Joshua 22:18) Israel had just finished conquering Canaan. The two-and-a-half tribes built an altar on the Jordan’s west bank. The rest feared it signaled idolatry, so they confronted their brothers immediately, pleading for faithfulness and reminding them of God’s past judgments. Their action models how believers today can encourage one another to stay true. Recognize the Weight of Rebellion • Rebellion against God never stays private; it endangers the community (Joshua 22:18). • Past sins (Peor, Achan) showed how quickly judgment falls on the whole group (Joshua 22:17, 20). • Hebrews 3:12-13 warns, “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief… But encourage one another daily.” Principles for Encouraging Faithfulness • Speak up early – The leaders did not wait for proof of idolatry; they addressed the appearance of it (v. 16). – Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” • Base every appeal on God’s Word – They quoted history and covenant law, not opinions (Deuteronomy 13). – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips us “for every good work.” • Approach with unity, not factions – “The whole congregation” came (Joshua 22:12); unity itself pressures for holiness. – Philippians 1:27 calls us to “stand firm in one spirit.” • Offer a practical path back – They invited the tribes to settle west of the Jordan if the land east tempted them (v. 19). – Galatians 6:1: restore with gentleness. • Assume the best motive until clarified – The altar makers explained it was a witness, not for sacrifices (v. 24-29). – James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” Everyday Ways to Put This into Practice • Share Scripture regularly in conversation, texts, or social media. • Meet consistently—small groups, meals, phone calls—to keep tabs on spiritual health. • Celebrate obedience publicly; quietly confront drift privately (Matthew 18:15). • Pair mature believers with newer ones for mentoring (Titus 2:3-7). • Pray together for steadfast hearts (Colossians 4:12). • Keep church discipline processes clear and loving, so warnings don’t feel random. Living as Watchmen for One Another Ezekiel 33:7 calls God’s people “watchmen.” Like Israel’s leaders at the Jordan, we watch the horizon for threats to faith: false teaching, cooling love, or secret sin. Jude 23 urges, “save others, snatching them out of the fire.” It is not meddling; it is covenant care. Motivated by Covenant Love Our motivation mirrors their closing words: “Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD” (Joshua 22:29). Christ’s blood has bound us into a new covenant (Luke 22:20). Loyalty to Him—and love for His body—moves us to encourage, warn, and restore until “we all attain to the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). |
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