What modern behaviors might lead Christians to become "plunder" spiritually?

Judges 2:14 – When God’s People Become Plunder

“Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to the enemies around them, and they could no longer resist their foes.”

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What “Plunder” Looks Like Today

Israel’s physical loss mirrors a believer’s spiritual loss: joy is stolen, peace is stripped away, testimony is damaged, and bondage replaces freedom (John 10:10).

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Why It Happened Then

• They forgot the LORD’s works (v. 10)

• They served other gods (v. 11–13)

• They refused to listen to God’s voice (v. 17)

The same heart-issues still open the door for plunder now.

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Modern Behaviors That Invite Spiritual Plunder

• Neglecting Scripture – Treating the Bible as optional leads to ignorance and vulnerability (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 4:4).

• Prayerlessness – Skipping daily communion with God leaves the soul unguarded (Luke 22:46; Ephesians 6:18).

• Entertaining Modern Idols – Careers, romance, screens, or sports can dethrone God when they rule our schedule or affections (1 John 5:21; Matthew 6:24).

• Conforming to Culture – Absorbing ungodly values through music, media, and friendships erodes discernment (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

• Unchecked Materialism – Constant acquisition and debt shift trust from God to riches (1 Timothy 6:9–10; Proverbs 30:8-9).

• Sexual Immorality – Pornography, cohabitation, and casual hookups defile the temple of the Holy Spirit and dull spiritual appetite (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:3-5).

• Harboring Bitterness – Unforgiveness “gives the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27; Hebrews 12:15).

• Neglecting Fellowship – Sporadic church involvement starves believers of mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42).

• Flirting with the Occult – Horoscopes, crystals, or “harmless” magic invite demonic influence (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 19:19-20).

• Listening to False Teaching – Podcasts or books that twist Scripture steal truth and sow confusion (2 Peter 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

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Guardrails Against Becoming Plunder

• Daily, deliberate intake of God’s Word (Psalm 119:11)

• Persistent prayer and praise (Philippians 4:6-7)

• Quick repentance when conviction comes (1 John 1:9)

• Intentional community with faithful believers (Proverbs 27:17)

• Active resistance to the devil’s schemes (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-13)

The path to protection remains exactly what Scripture declares—wholehearted devotion to the LORD who alone secures His people from becoming spiritual plunder.