Joshua 7:1 “But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the LORD. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the LORD was very angry with the Israelites.” (NLT=New Living Translation)

Joshua 7:19-21 “Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.”20 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel.21 Among the plunder I saw a beautiful robe from Babylon, 200 silver coins, and a bar of gold weighing more than a pound, I wanted them so much that I took them. They are hidden in the ground beneath my tent, with the silver buried deeper than the rest.” (NLT)

1. Deliberate sinful actions of the one can affect the group

Joshua 7:11-12 “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings. 12 That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (NLT)

• The private actions of one can affect the group

• The private actions of one can affect the group

2. Continued unrepentant actions result in God’s discipline

• God gave Achan every chance to repent

II Peter 3:9 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (NLT)

• God loves us too much not to

Hebrews 12:6-7, 11 “For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?… No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (NLT)

3. Defeat can indicate the need is spiritual correction

• Israel’s success was in their

not their military genius

Joshua. 7:10-11 “But the LORD said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? 11 Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!…” (NLT)

John 15:4-5 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (NLT)

• In defeat, the first place to check is our own

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (NLT)

4. Victory is the result of walking in obedience

• When Israel walked in obedience they were

Joshua 21:45 ” Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” (NLT)

• As the church walks in

we are invincible as well

Matthew 16:18 “…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (NLT)
Romans. 8:31 “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (NLT)

James 1:25 “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (NLT)

Listen to the message@foothillsonline.com

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways has our own culture overemphasized individual rights and ignored how this obsession has negatively impacted others?
   

2. How did Achan’s actions impact Israel? How can the deliberate sinful actions of one affect the group?
   

3. Does God discipline His people? Why does God discipline us? Why do we not like talking about this issue?
   

4. Israel’s success came from their obedience and connection with God. Share how our success in life is no different. If this is true, why do we spend so much time and energy seeking success elsewhere?
   

5. When Israel walked in obedience no one could stand against them. How does this relate to the church today? How does this relate to you?