THE INCOMPLETE OBEDIENCE OF ISRAEL

THE INCOMPLETE OBEDIENCE OF ISRAEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 1
Judges 1:1-2 (KJV)
“Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.”

Supporting Texts: Joshua 23:12–13; 1 Samuel 15:22–23; Deuteronomy 7:1-2

Description: Partial obedience always leads to future bondage, but complete obedience guarantees lasting victory.

INTRODUCTION:
The Book of Judges opens with the death of Joshua, the servant of the Lord. His departure marked the end of a great leadership era in Israel. Joshua had faithfully led the people into the Promised Land, conquered many territories, and divided the inheritance among the tribes. Yet, the work of possessing the land was not fully completed.

In Judges 1, we see the tribes of Israel seeking the Lord’s guidance on who should lead the battles against the remaining Canaanites. The Lord commanded Judah to go first, assuring them of victory. However, as the chapter unfolds, we observe that many tribes failed to completely drive out the inhabitants of the land, leaving pockets of resistance that later became a source of trouble and oppression.

This chapter teaches us the danger of incomplete obedience. God requires full obedience to His Word, not partial compliance. When we compromise, the enemy we refuse to conquer today will rise against us tomorrow.

1. GOD REQUIRES TOTAL OBEDIENCE
God’s instructions are never suggestions—they are commands meant for our safety and victory.

a) God’s command is clear
(Deuteronomy 7:1–2) Israel was told to utterly destroy the nations and make no covenants with them.

b) Partial obedience is disobedience
(1 Samuel 15:22–23) Saul’s failure with Amalek shows that half–obedience equals rebellion.

c) God’s promises are tied to obedience
(Joshua 1:8) Prosperity and success flow from obeying God’s Word fully.

d) The cost of compromise is bondage
(Judges 2:3) Failure to drive out enemies results in thorns and snares.

Biblical Example: King Saul and the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). Saul spared what God commanded him to destroy, and it cost him his throne.

2. THE DANGER OF COEXISTING WITH THE ENEMY
What you fail to conquer today will eventually conquer you tomorrow.

a) Tolerating sin leads to corruption
(Judges 1:27–28) The Canaanites dwelt among Israel, and Israel learned their ways.

b) Spiritual compromise opens the door to idolatry
(Psalm 106:34–36) Israel mingled with the nations and served their gods.

c) Unfinished battles become future oppressions
(Judges 2:14) Israel became oppressed because of their disobedience.

d) Small concessions lead to great defeats
(Song of Solomon 2:15) The little foxes spoil the vine.

Biblical Example: Solomon tolerated strange women and their idols (1 Kings 11:4–6), which led to Israel’s downfall.

CONCLUSION:
Judges Chapter 1 reminds us that incomplete obedience is dangerous. God gave Israel clear instructions, but their failure to fully obey led to recurring cycles of oppression in the land. In our walk with God, we must learn that obedience is not negotiable.

As believers, we cannot afford to allow “Canaanites” (hidden sins, bad habits, ungodly influences) to remain in our lives. If left unchecked, they will rise to trouble us. Total victory belongs only to those who walk in complete obedience to the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to obey You completely.
2. Every spirit of compromise in my life, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
3. Father, deliver me from the dangers of partial obedience.
4. Lord, help me to conquer every hidden enemy in my life.
5. Let every Canaanite spirit troubling my destiny be destroyed by fire.
6. Father, align my heart to Your perfect will.
7. Lord, give me discernment to recognise the enemies I must overcome.
8. I refuse to live in spiritual compromise, in Jesus’ name.
9. Father, make me a vessel of obedience and faithfulness.
10. Lord, let my life bring glory to You through total surrender.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not be a victim of partial obedience.
2. Every unfinished battle in your life shall be completed in victory.
3. The enemies you see today, you will see them no more forever.
4. God is giving you strength to conquer what once conquered you.
5. Every compromise in your past is being erased by God’s mercy.
6. The Lord will make you a vessel of obedience and holiness.
7. You will not coexist with the enemy; you will overcome completely.
8. Your destiny will not be delayed by disobedience.
9. The Lord will give you dominion in your spiritual battles.
10. Your obedience will open doors of lasting victory.