What lessons from Judges 1:21 can we apply to resisting spiritual complacency?

Context of Judges 1:21

“The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem; and to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites.”

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Observing the Warning Signs of Complacency

• God had clearly commanded Israel to expel the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:2; Joshua 23:6-13).

• Benjamin’s partial obedience produced long-term compromise: the Jebusites remained “to this day.”

• The verse shows how quickly “good enough” becomes the enemy of God’s best.

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Lessons for Today

• Partial obedience equals disobedience. Leaving a foothold for sin allows it to linger and grow (Ephesians 4:27).

• Spiritual stagnation is usually gradual. One unremoved “Jebusite” at a time dulls zeal (Hebrews 2:1).

• Complacency affects community. Benjamin’s failure hindered all Israel; likewise, our slackness influences family, church, and culture (1 Corinthians 5:6).

• Yesterday’s victories do not guarantee today’s faithfulness. Continual dependence on the Lord is essential (John 15:5).

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Practical Steps to Resist Complacency

1. Identify lingering strongholds

– Ask the Spirit to spotlight areas of compromise (Psalm 139:23-24).

2. Apply decisive action

– “Make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). Remove whatever nurtures indifference.

3. Cultivate daily devotion

– Consistent Scripture intake and prayer keep affections warm (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:97).

4. Engage accountable fellowship

– “Exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Invite honest dialogue about progress and pitfalls.

5. Persevere in forward momentum

– Press on “toward the goal” (Philippians 3:12-14). Celebrate milestones, but never settle.

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Encouraging Scriptures for Perseverance

• Romans 12:11 – “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

• Revelation 2:4-5 – Remember, repent, and return when love cools.

• 2 Peter 3:17-18 – Be on guard, grow in grace, and avoid being carried away by error.

Staying vigilant against spiritual complacency means driving out every “Jebusite” in our lives—completely, consistently, and with wholehearted reliance on the Lord who supplies both the desire and the power to obey (Philippians 2:13).