Who Lives Next Door?

Text: Joshua 9

Introduction

Especially in a small town, we are inclined to think that the most terrible actions of men happen far away. We will say, “Those things just happen in BIG cities.” We have all said, “I am glad I live in the country.” We go on with life have become gulible to that self made story.

Dear Christian, YOUR enemy don’t have a physical address? The earth is his playground. YOU are always his target. YOU are at war with the world’s systems and this world’s prince.

What we will witness is how God’s people believe a false story about a group of people, gullibly believe their story, and dive right in to a mistake. The lessoned learned will be that the enemy is always closer to home than you think!

1) Nations Respond Toward God

Opposing nations unit to collectively oppose God.

These cities who lived in continual rejection and rebellion towards God, fighting with each other, united for a common purpose; ATTACK GOD’S PEOPLE.

This reaction was prompted by these nations hearing the TRUTH ABOUT GOD and His people.

There reaction was completely different from Rehab’s reaction.

The city of Gibeon responded differently.

They chose to FEAR the God of Israel.

They knew they needed this God’s favor and mercy.

They knew they needed to be on Israel’s side.

Don’t miss the imagery here.

All of these nations heard the same truth about the God of Israel.

However, they all did not respond the same way.

We too today, have received the truth of who God is, his attributes, and therefore we need a Savior in order to stand before Him justified.

I think about the different soils — Mark 4:5-9 “5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. 9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

2) The Success Of Deceit

The people of Gibeon developed a fake story and identity of a group they would send to meet with Joshua and the other leaders.

This group posed as ambassadors.

They dressed the part and talked the part.

However, they did speak truthfully about their fear of the true God.

They responded with godly fear, but approached God’s people with an ungodly method; deceit.

LISTEN — The only approach to God is with hands empty and an honest heart of confession.

(v14) A covenant made without God’s approval.

God’s people allowed themselves to be gullible!

God’s covenant is the governing covenant when it comes to out connection with other people, schools, businesses, nations, etc.

3) The Need For Wisdom

A. an untrustworthy approach

After hearing what seemed to be a logically believable story, they made the WRONG CHOICE.

Does this mistake sound familiar?

You would think by now they would have learned to wait on God; seek His direction.

Psalm 33:11 “11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, The thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

We are to never approach God’s will life looking at a buffet!!!

We are SERVANTS who come to God to take ORDERS.

John 7:17 “17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Steps to remember:

See, pause, think, pray, receive, apply.

This is what Joshua failed to do!

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Practising these steps speaks to your faith.

When faith is exercised, HASTY actions are removed.

Isa. 28:16 “16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: He that believeth shall not make haste.”

They quickly forgot Moses’ instructions — Ex. 34:12 “12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:”

B. A commitment to integrity (vv17-19)

They stayed true to their covenant.

It was a hasty mistake, but they could not break the covenant made.

BELIEVER — You are in continual war with this world, and this world is out to tarnish your integrity!!!

The loss of a Christian’s integrity is worse than any secular occupation.

4) Work Our Your Mistakes

A. Admit where you are

We made the covenant; we made the mistake.

Admit, repent and move toward the Lord.

This is the first step when you are guilty!

B. Glorify Christ from where you are (vv.20-27)

The best place for your mistakes is before God.

Don’t overlook the honesty and humility of the hivites (v25)

Glorifying Christ from where you are is always an option for the BELIEVER! Always the BEST options for the BELIEVER!

ASK YOURSELF — What is your Christ glorifying step tonight?

The lack of next steps DOES NOT depend upon the preachers talent, but rather your desire to obey Jesus.