Don’t Get Scammed! Seek God First
An abstract of Jim Congdon’s sermon on February 23, 2025, in the Joshua series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever been tricked by someone? Maybe you bought something that wasn't what it seemed, or trusted someone who wasn't honest with you. We all get scammed sometimes. Even Joshua, one of the greatest leaders in the Bible, fell for a clever trick!
Joshua Gets Scammed
In Joshua Chapter 9, we learn that after defeating Jericho and Ai, Joshua and the Israelites were ready to continue taking the land God promised them. The people of Gibeon (who lived nearby) were scared they'd be next.
So they came up with a clever plan. They put on old, worn-out clothes and sandals, packed dry, crumbly bread, and carried cracked wineskins. Then they approached Joshua claiming to be from a far-away land, asking for a peace treaty.
Joshua and the Israelites inspected their supplies and believed their story. But here's the key problem revealed in Joshua 9:14: "The men of Israel took some of their provisions, but did not seek the Lord's decision."
They forgot to ask God what to do! Three days later, they discovered these people actually lived just 16 miles away in Gibeon. The Israelites had been tricked into making a peace treaty with their neighbors - something God had specifically told them not to do.
When We Don't Consult God
The sermon highlights this crucial lesson: When you stop seeking what God has to say, you lean on your own understanding. When you lean on your own understanding, the enemy finds you easy to deceive.
This reminds us of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
How often do we make decisions without asking God? Maybe we:
Take a new job just because it pays more
Enter relationships without seeking God's wisdom
Make financial choices based solely on what seems good to us
Rush into decisions without prayer or seeking godly counsel
When we do this, we're acting as "practical atheists" - people who believe in God but live as if He doesn't exist.
The Consequences and God's Grace
Because Joshua had made a promise before God, the Israelites couldn't break their treaty with the Gibeonites. Instead, they made them "woodcutters and water carriers" - servants for God's tabernacle.
But here's the beautiful part of the story: over time, by being close to God's people and serving at the tabernacle, many Gibeonites came to know and worship the true God. Later in the Bible, we see them fighting alongside King David and helping rebuild Jerusalem's walls with Nehemiah.
Even when we mess up by not seeking God, He can turn our mistakes into blessings. As Pastor Jim Congdon said, "Rock bottom is the foundation on which God can build you a new life."
Don't Wing It - Seek God Daily
Jim compared our tendency to "wing it" without God's guidance to ducks who don't like reading directions. We think we can handle life on our own, but this approach leads to deception and poor choices.
The Bible should be like a mountain viewed from the plains - a constant reference point to help us find our way home when lost. God's Word gives us direction when we're confused or uncertain.
How to Seek God First
So how can we avoid getting "scammed" in life? Here are some practical ways:
Start each day with prayer, asking God for guidance
Read your Bible regularly - even a few verses can help
When facing decisions, big or small, pause to pray about them
Seek counsel from other Christians who walk closely with God
Remember that Sunday worship is just the beginning of your week with God
Don't be like Joshua, who waited until after the mistake to talk to God. Make seeking God your first response, not your last resort!
Your Next Step
Are you curious about how to develop a relationship with God where you naturally seek Him first? We'd love to help you on that journey! Our church community is filled with people at all stages of faith, including many who are just beginning to explore what it means to follow Jesus.
Join us this Sunday at 9 or 10:30 a.m. for worship and practical Bible teaching that connects with real life. You'll find friendly people who aren't perfect but are learning together how to seek God first in everything. Plan a visit today.
Remember, you don't have to figure life out alone. God wants to guide you, and we want to walk alongside you. Come discover how seeking God first changes everything!