“It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely.” (v.28)
Chapter 1 is the story of the seven tribes of Israel that did not completely possess their “promised land”. God said to drive out these Canaanites, for their cup of sin was full. Instead of destroying them or driving them out as God had commanded, the Israelites (in many areas) allowed them to live in their midst, exposing themselves to their sinful practices.
Just like Israel, there are things that God has told us to get rid of in our lives as well. And there is no need for us to protest that we cannot, because Christ died and rose again to make it possible for us to do so.
Therefore, through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can overcome in the battle of spiritual warfare and be victors through Christ if we obey His Word. Better to obey, than to suffer the consequences of sin.
The Truth: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
