Fighting sin

As I look through this passage and God’s commands to the people concerning the land they were entering, it reminds me of our fight against sin.

God told the people that when they entered the land, he would drive out their enemies before them and ultimately wipe them out.

In the same way, God is constantly working in us to drive out sin in our lives.  And as he does, he doesn’t want any residuals left in our lives. 

Sin is like a cancer, and unless it is completely taken out, it will spread. 

That’s why he said to the Israelites not just to avoid worshiping other gods and idols, but to completely demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces.

That brings up another point. 

It is by God’s power that sin is driven out of our lives.  But we have our part too. 

God said he would wipe out the people inhabiting Canaan, but he also said in verse 31, “You will drive them out.” 

In our fight against sin, we need to actively fight too. 

Part of that is totally getting rid of anything in our lives that would cause us to sin, whether it’s pornography, friends that consistently drag us into sin, or whatever it may be.

But not only that, God told the people,

Do not make a covenant with [the people of the land] or with their gods.

Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.  (Exodus 23:32-33).

In the same way, we are not to let sin live in our hearts, nor are we to make a covenant with it. 

What does it mean to make a covenant with sin?  In short, it means compromise. 

“I know this movie is a little dodgy, but I’ll watch it anyway.” 

Or, “I know I shouldn’t hold on to anger, but I’m going to let myself stay angry until he apologizes.” 

Or, “I know I’m being selfish, but I deserve something for myself.” 

How often do we make these agreements with sin in our lives? 

God says, “Don’t do it.  Don’t let it live in your hearts.  They will be a snare to you.”

One final point.  The fight against sin isn’t fought and defeated in one battle. 

God told the people, “Little by little I will drive [the Canaanites] out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” (Exodus 23:30)

In the same way, our victory over sin comes over time, as little by little God gives us victory over it. 

Sometimes we will struggle. 

Sometimes we will fall. 

But our ultimate victory is sure.  Just don’t give up.