“As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day” (Josh 15:53)
We don't conquer sin completely, but we fight it lifelong. We are not under its dominion, but we fall and are taken captive. We are forgiven, and yet we grieve over corruptions, which spill out, starting in the heart, and then moving into our deeds. We read, “the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day” (Josh 15:63). But, we are wise to renew the battle, rather than succumb to failure. We're wise to put the enemy down, lest it disturb or destroy us. God told Israel, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell” (Numb 33:55-56).
Salvation isn't perfect in experience, but it is perfect in promised help, so we are blameable and accountable for not fighting.
Secondly, enemies of pride, lust, and fear are not undefeatable. We are mighty through God. Joshua said, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong” (Josh 17:14-18). Someone said in prayer tonight, “They have iron chariots, but we have Christ”. Receive this and fight, though it is hard. You have promised victory, so get more of God.
FAITH obtains promises through patience, trusts amidst hardships, and it conquers powerful foes.
Finally, there is pardon and forgiveness with God (Josh 20:1-6). We read, “Then if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unintentionally”. Paul said, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim 1:13). The One we've sinned against pardons the ignorance of sinners who believe. The remedy for wrong is admitting ignorance, confessing unbelief, and receiving fresh, undeserved, blood earned mercies. God is a refuge in Christ.
Don't let failures stop you now. Don't let laxity overcome you either. Be received by God and commissioned to love others.
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