Jos 23:6-7 | KingComments | STEP | There are also conditions to be fulfilled. Joshua shows how to preserve the inheritance. He points out the dangers from outside, the peoples around them, with which they should not interfere. Thus Paul warns of intruders, and what will come forth from among them: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” ( ). There are dangers from outside and from inside. We are always surrounded by opponents and we still have the flesh in us. The association with the remaining peoples begins with the naming of their gods. Therefore they should not even mention their names ( ). Mentioning the names means paying attention to them. Thus the demons behind these idols are given the opportunity to exert their influence on the thinking of God’s people. A next step is to swear by them, followed by adhering to them and bowing to them. Satan always tries to get room for his views first. Once he has been given an opening for this, the practice follows automatically. Therefore the admonition comes to us that certain things should not even be mentioned among us as believers ( ).

‏ Joshua 23:6-7

Call to Faithfulness to God

There are also conditions to be fulfilled. Joshua shows how to preserve the inheritance. He points out the dangers from outside, the peoples around them, with which they should not interfere. Thus Paul warns of intruders, and what will come forth from among them: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). There are dangers from outside and from inside. We are always surrounded by opponents and we still have the flesh in us.

The association with the remaining peoples begins with the naming of their gods. Therefore they should not even mention their names (Psa 16:4b). Mentioning the names means paying attention to them. Thus the demons behind these idols are given the opportunity to exert their influence on the thinking of God’s people. A next step is to swear by them, followed by adhering to them and bowing to them.

Satan always tries to get room for his views first. Once he has been given an opening for this, the practice follows automatically. Therefore the admonition comes to us that certain things should not even be mentioned among us as believers (Eph 5:3-4).