Conquering the “Ites” in Our Lives
Greg Gilliam Pastor Grace Christian AssemblyIndependence, Missouri
Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God warned Moses about seven specific nations that stood in the land they were about to possess. These nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—would become obstacles that Israel would need to overcome. For the purpose of this lesson, we will simply refer to them as the “ites.”
In Deuteronomy 7, the Lord told Israel that when He brought them into the land, He would cast out these seven nations, even though they were greater and mightier than Israel. God commanded His people to utterly destroy them, make no covenant with them, show them no mercy, and avoid intermarrying with them. The reason was clear: these nations would turn Israel away from following the Lord. Their altars, images, groves, and idols were to be destroyed because God desired a holy people separated unto Himself.
The Lord reminded Israel that they were not chosen because of their strength, size, or ability. In fact, they were the fewest among the nations. God chose them because He loved them and because He was faithful to the covenant He had made with their fathers. He had redeemed them from Egyptian bondage with a mighty hand, and He would continue to be faithful to those who loved Him and kept His commandments.
A similar promise is found in Exodus 23:20-24. God promised to send His Angel before Israel to lead them into the place He had prepared. If they would obey His voice, God would become an enemy to their enemies and would cut off the nations that stood before them. Once again, they were instructed not to bow down to the gods of these nations or imitate their practices, but rather to completely overthrow their idols and images.
In Deuteronomy 20, God provided additional instructions concerning warfare. Israel was told not to fear when they faced armies larger and stronger than themselves. They were not to be intimidated by horses, chariots, or great numbers because the Lord who delivered them from Egypt would fight for them. God would go before them, save them, and give them victory. The chapter emphasizes that when confronting these enemies, nothing was to be left that would continue to influence or corrupt God’s people. The reason was simple: God did not want Israel learning the abominations and sinful practices of the surrounding nations.
There are several practical lessons we can draw from this Old Testament picture. First, God had given Israel a land to possess. Likewise, God has given believers a position in Christ. Ephesians 2 tells us that we are seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Yet Ephesians 6 reminds us that there is a spiritual battle involved in entering into and enjoying all that God has provided for us.
There is also a personal application. God gives each of us places of service and responsibility. Years ago, God called me to pastor an assembly. Along the way, there have been many “ites” that stood in the path—opposition from family, friends, circumstances, and even fellow believers. Yet I can testify with Paul, “out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:11). Even today, I continue to trust the promise of 2 Corinthians 1:10, that the God who has delivered will yet deliver.
The inhabitants of the land had to be removed. While this may sound harsh at first, the spiritual lesson is important. The flesh cannot be allowed to remain in control. It must be dealt with according to God’s instructions. We see this principle illustrated in circumcision, which symbolized the cutting away of the flesh. God knew that if Israel tolerated the practices of these nations, corruption would eventually follow. In the same way, we cannot make peace with the works of the flesh. They must either be brought into submission or cut off entirely.
God’s concern was not merely military victory but spiritual protection. He desired to protect His people from corruption. My heart likewise yearns for God’s people to be protected from the corruption that exists in this world, both physically and spiritually. The influences around us constantly seek to pull us away from wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Another important lesson is that these nations were stronger than Israel. The challenges standing before us today are often greater than our own strength and ability. The “ites” we face—temptations, fears, trials, weaknesses, and spiritual battles—cannot be overcome through human effort. We cannot deliver ourselves. Victory does not come through determination, talent, or personal strength.
So how do we gain victory over the “ites” in our lives?
The answer is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our victory is based upon the victory He won at Calvary. Through faith, we identify with His death, burial, and resurrection. We recognize that our old man was crucified with Him and that we have been raised to walk in newness of life. Furthermore, those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit have been given divine power to overcome. As we yield ourselves to the Spirit, He enables us to overcome the flesh. The Spirit accomplishes what we could never accomplish on our own.
Just as Israel was called to be a special people, so the church today is God’s called-out people. The Greek word ekklesia means “called-out ones.” God did not call us because we were strong, capable, or self-sufficient. Like Israel, we were incapable of overcoming our enemies apart from divine intervention. We were the weak, the needy, and the dependent.
Why, then, did God choose us? The answer is wonderfully simple: He loved us. He loved you, and He loved me. He also acts according to His Word and His promises. Just as He remained faithful to His covenant with Israel, He remains faithful to every promise He has made to His children.
As we face the “ites” in our own lives, let us remember that God has called us, loved us, redeemed us, and equipped us for victory. The battle may be greater than we are, but it is not greater than our God. Therefore, let us walk forward in faith, knowing that the One who has delivered in the past is still delivering today and will continue to deliver in the days ahead. Above all, let us remember this great truth: the Lord our God is faithful.
