Possible Impossibilities

Nov 01, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Sin is Abominable to God Because It is Deadly to Us

Sin is not merely a violation of God's commands, but a destructive force that separates us from Him and ultimately leads to self-destruction. The practices of the Canaanite nations, such as idolatry and immorality, were detestable because they eroded love and fostered selfishness, showing that God's wrath is directed at sin itself, not at people. God desires to destroy sin to save the sinner, but if we cling to sin, we risk sharing in its consequences. Reflecting on the seriousness of sin helps us understand why God calls us to let go of anything that separates us from His love. [14:12]

Leviticus 18:24-25 (ESV)
"Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean, and the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants."

Reflection: What is one habit or attitude in your life that you know is destructive or separates you from God? What step can you take today to begin letting it go?

Day 2: Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

God’s mercy is always present, even in the midst of judgment, as seen in the stories of Rahab and Nineveh. He extends probationary time and opportunities for repentance, desiring to save rather than destroy. Even those who seem far from God are offered grace if they turn to Him, and His willingness to forgive is greater than we often imagine. This truth calls us to both receive His mercy and extend it to others, remembering that God’s heart is always to redeem. [46:45]

Jonah 3:10 (ESV)
"When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it."

Reflection: Who in your life do you find it hardest to show mercy to? How can you take a step toward extending God’s grace to them today?

Day 3: By Beholding We Become Changed

The influences we allow into our lives shape our character, both intellectually and spiritually. Just as the Israelites were warned that the Canaanites’ practices would become a snare, we too are transformed by what we focus on and whom we spend time with. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences and sharing testimonies of God’s work can inspire and uplift us, while negative influences can draw us away from Him. The law of spiritual and intellectual nature is that we become like what we behold, so it is vital to choose our influences wisely. [25:50]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one influence—media, relationship, or habit—that you need to limit or replace in order to better reflect Christ’s character in your life?

Day 4: God Fights for You—If You Surrender

God’s desire is to fight our battles and lead us to victory, but He asks us to surrender our ways and trust in His. The Israelites were promised that God would drive out their enemies, not by their own might, but by His power—sometimes even through miraculous means. When we try to fight in our own strength, we often fail, but when we surrender and allow God to work, He brings about outcomes we could never achieve on our own. Surrender is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s wisdom and timing. [53:27]

Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are striving in your own strength? How can you intentionally surrender this to God and trust Him to fight for you today?

Day 5: God’s Justice and Mercy Are Perfectly Balanced

God is not a pacifist, nor is He vengeful; rather, He is a lover of peace who sometimes must act decisively to protect His people and fulfill His purposes. The removal of the Canaanites was not about favoritism but about eradicating the cancer of sin that threatened to destroy all. God’s actions are always motivated by both justice and mercy, giving time for repentance but also acting when necessary for the greater good. Understanding this balance helps us trust His character, even when we do not fully understand His ways. [52:42]

Psalm 89:14 (ESV)
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you."

Reflection: When have you struggled to understand God’s justice or mercy in your life or in the world? How can you bring your questions to Him in prayer and trust His perfect character today?

Sermon Summary

Grace is the theme that runs through all of God’s dealings with humanity, and it is greater than all our sin. As we reflect on the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan, we see that God’s actions are not arbitrary or vengeful, but are rooted in His desire to save, to heal, and to restore. The abominations of the Canaanite nations—idolatry, child sacrifice, and other detestable practices—were not just violations of divine command, but self-destructive behaviors that threatened to destroy both individuals and entire societies. God’s wrath is not directed at people, but at the sin that separates us from Him and from true love. He longs to destroy sin, not the sinner, but if we cling to sin, we inevitably share in its destruction.

God’s mercy is always present, even in judgment. The Canaanites were given centuries of probation, opportunities to turn from their ways, and even when judgment came, individuals like Rahab who responded to God’s call were saved and honored. This pattern is seen throughout Scripture: God extends mercy, offers time for repentance, and only acts in judgment when all avenues of restoration have been exhausted. The story of Nineveh, the patience shown before the flood, and even the mark placed on Cain all reveal a God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Sin is contagious, and God’s instructions to Israel to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan were not about ethnic superiority, but about preventing the spread of destructive practices. God’s ideal was not annihilation, but transformation—He would have preferred to drive out the nations peacefully, even using hornets, if Israel had trusted Him. The principle that “by beholding we become changed” means that what we surround ourselves with shapes us, for good or for ill. God’s call to holiness is a call to be set apart, not for our own sake, but so that His character might be revealed and others drawn to Him.

God is not a pacifist, but neither is He a warmonger. He fights for His people, but always with the aim of redemption, not destruction. The great controversy is not just a battle between good and evil, but a demonstration to the universe of the consequences of sin and the beauty of God’s way. Ultimately, God’s desire is to recreate Eden, to restore what was lost, and to fill the earth with His glory through a people who reflect His character.

Key Takeaways

1. Sin is self-destructive and separates us from God, not just because it breaks His law, but because it erodes love and leads to implosion from within. God’s wrath is against sin itself, not the sinner, and His desire is always to save us from the consequences of our own choices. If we cling to sin, we inevitably share in its fate, but if we let go, God is eager to redeem and restore. [14:12]
2. God’s mercy always precedes judgment. The Canaanites, like the people before the flood and the city of Nineveh, were given extended periods of probation and opportunities to repent. Even when judgment comes, God is quick to save any who turn to Him, as seen in the story of Rahab, who not only survived but became part of the lineage of Christ. [35:34]
3. The principle of “by beholding we become changed” is a spiritual law that shapes our destiny. What we focus on, who we associate with, and what we allow into our hearts will inevitably mold our character. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences lifts us up, while exposure to evil or apathy drags us down, making the call to holiness both a privilege and a necessity. [25:50]
4. God’s instructions to Israel were not about ethnic cleansing, but about eradicating the cancer of idolatry and destructive practices. His first option was always peaceful removal and transformation, but when that failed, more drastic measures were necessary to preserve the possibility of redemption for future generations. God’s justice is always tempered by mercy, and His ultimate goal is restoration, not destruction. [23:50]
5. The great controversy is a cosmic demonstration of the consequences of sin and the superiority of God’s way. God allows the principles of both His government and Satan’s to be fully revealed, so that all can see the results. He is not passive, but He is patient, giving every opportunity for repentance before acting in judgment, and ultimately, He will bring peace not by force, but by the triumph of love and truth. [52:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:22] - Singing “Marvelous Grace”
[08:22] - Opening Prayer
[09:54] - Introduction and Prayer
[10:33] - Three Themes: Sin, Mercy, and God’s Character
[12:01] - The Abominations of Canaan
[14:12] - God’s Wrath Against Sin, Not Sinners
[16:09] - Salvation Offered to All
[18:08] - Sanctification Through the Word
[21:04] - Sin’s Contagious Nature
[22:33] - God’s Ideal: Driving Out, Not Destroying
[25:50] - By Beholding We Become Changed
[28:58] - Misconceptions About God’s Character
[30:56] - God’s Disciplinary Methods
[33:33] - Mercy and Probationary Time
[35:34] - Rahab: Mercy in Judgment
[37:05] - The Real Enemy: Idolatry
[44:50] - The Example of Nineveh
[46:45] - Mercy Before the Flood
[52:07] - God Fights for Us: The Great Controversy
[53:27] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Grace, Sin, and God’s Desire to Restore

Bible Reading

Romans 1:18 (ESV)

> For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Numbers 33:55-56 (ESV)

> But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. And I will do to you as I thought to do to them.

Joshua 2:12-14 (ESV)

> Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death. And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

Observation Questions

According to Romans 1:18, what is the object of God’s wrath, and how is it described in the passage?
In Numbers 33:55-56, what warning does God give Israel if they do not drive out the inhabitants of Canaan? What are the consequences?
What does Rahab ask of the Israelite spies in Joshua 2:12-14, and what is their response?
In the sermon, what were some of the “abominations” practiced by the Canaanites that led to God’s judgment? [[12:01]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says God’s wrath is directed at sin, not at people. How does this idea challenge or affirm your previous understanding of God’s character? [[14:12]]
The Canaanites were given “centuries of probation” before judgment came. What does this reveal about God’s patience and mercy? [[34:12]]
The principle “by beholding we become changed” was highlighted in the sermon. How does this principle help explain God’s instructions to Israel regarding the nations in Canaan? [[25:50]]
Rahab’s story is used as an example of God’s willingness to save anyone who turns to Him. What does her inclusion in the lineage of Christ say about God’s view of outsiders and sinners? [[35:34]]

Application Questions

The sermon described sin as “self-destructive” and contagious. Are there habits or influences in your life that you recognize as spiritually destructive? What steps could you take to “drive them out” rather than let them remain? [[21:04]]
God’s mercy always precedes judgment, and He gives time for repentance. Is there an area in your life where you sense God is giving you time to change? How can you respond to His patience this week? [[34:12]]
The idea that “by beholding we become changed” means what we focus on shapes us. What are you currently “beholding” most in your daily life (media, relationships, activities)? How might you intentionally shift your focus to things that draw you closer to God? [[25:50]]
The sermon emphasized that God’s call to holiness is not about being “better than others,” but about being set apart so His character can be seen. In what practical ways can you live differently this week that might reveal God’s character to those around you? [[23:50]]
Rahab responded to God’s call and was saved, even though she came from a background of idolatry and sin. Is there someone in your life who you might be tempted to write off as “too far gone”? How can you extend grace or an invitation to them this week? [[35:34]]
The sermon compared God’s judgment to a doctor removing cancer to save the body. When have you experienced God’s discipline in your life, and how did it ultimately lead to healing or restoration? [[33:33]]
The “great controversy” is a demonstration of the consequences of sin and the beauty of God’s way. How can you participate in showing the “beauty of God’s way” in your family, workplace, or community this month? [[52:07]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to let go of destructive habits, for eyes to see God’s mercy in their lives, and for opportunities to reflect His character to others.

Sermon Clips

“Sin is abominable to God because it is deadly to us. Second, that mercy triumphs over judgment. And third, that God is not a pacifist. Uh, he's a lover, I mean, yeah, he's a lover of peace.”

“The practices of the Canaanite nations were an abomination which had defiled the land and its people according to Leviticus Leviticus 18. Um what does that mean that they had defiled the land and its people? Like what what were they doing?”

“God wants to destroy the sin and save the sinner. But if we don't let go of the sin, we kind of get destroyed with we get lumped into the destruction, I guess, is another way to say it.”

“Jesus came to this earth not to just save those who who love him. He came to this earth to save every single person. That's right. But then we have to choose to accept that salvation, that love that is offered to us.”

“There are a large number who have a theory of the truth and they can prove their doctrines to be scripturally sound who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Their course of action denies their their faith. Their hearts are not sanctified through the truth.”

“We can be sanctified only through a knowledge of the word of God. This isn't just talking about the paper. This is talking about the person. Through the knowledge of the word of God and that that word becomes part of our life. God has given you the Bible.”

“I think in a lot of ways we're more at risk than they are. I think the devil's working the very hardest in this world's history right now because he doesn't want God's people to do what they're supposed to do.”

“We have to do it by faith in him who will give us that power. And and honestly, it's that that change of heart to really go after and save others because our f our sinful nature is selfish and self-preservation. We we we tend to self-preserve rather than rescue uh or help others.”

“The idea that sin is contagious and and pervasive. So it not only affects the center but it it everyone that the sinner comes in contact with. And so let's look at a few passages.”

“God's ideal will is to drive out the people why because if he drove them out and Israel was faithful that goodness might be contagious back and convert those unfaithful and it works the same way in both in in both directions.”

“It is a law both of intellectual and spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subject upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence.”

“God God never wanted to destroy even Israel. I mean even Egypt like Egypt he was trying to save Egypt. If if if Pharaoh had um hearkened to God's word we we might have a different story more more similar to Nebuchadnezzar's outcome.”

“By the time you get to the New Testament, where as a nation, they'd been around for a while. He had given them 470 years to kind of get their act together. um they were spiritual teenagers maybe you know young adults and then Christ comes and it's different because they should know better by now they had they had a very long so the whole sanctuary system was like the how many of you guys use felt boards”

“For the most part, God has not played offense. He's played defense because he's really given Satan the opportunity to develop the principles of his government, his his law, his system of justice, so that all of us and the whole universe can say, "Hey, this didn't work out."”

“But ultimately the prince of peace will achieve it in and you got to remember this whole great controversy is a war between two angels or two two beings Christ and and Lucifer for the idea of what is the right way u or each of them say they have the right way but one of them has not done a very good job of proving that.”

“These are all God's attempts to say, you know what, let's be a little different and let's try things this way because it's the only way I can work with you.”

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