
Joshua 7:1 “But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the LORD.[a] A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the LORD was very angry with the Israelites.” (NLT)
Summarize Israel’s defeat at Ai
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,[d] 200 silver coins,[e] and a bar of gold weighing more than a pound.[f] 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
• Achan knew this was a sinful action. He knew everything in Jericho was to be given to God. He knew this would bring a
• This wasn’t simply struggling with sin. It was a willful action and there was an intentional attempt to conceal and cover up.
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)
A. The
• Because of Achan’s actions, the entire nation was negatively impacted spiritually. They lost
• This story exposes the lie of
• Our individual actions can negatively impact our marriages, our ministries, and our church. We can make choices that invite the blessing of God or make choices that hinder the blessing of God.
• The biblical example from cover to cover is this: God deals with us as individuals and groups. We tend to forget the group part.
• Just think about the fact that every individual who makes up the church has a
B. The private actions of one can affect the group
• Because of the actions of one man (or family), 36 men died. 36 widows were grieving, children lost their fathers, 36 funerals.
• Our actions always create
• For example: What if I don’t serve? Then the ripple effect is that someone else will have to serve twice as much.
o What if I don’t give? Then something will not get funded.
o What if I’m not friendly? Then someone may conclude they are not welcomed here.
o What if I complain and become critical? Then you damage the unity and reputation of this church.
2. Continued unrepentant actions result in
A. God gave Achan every chance to repent
• God may have been giving Achan every chance to repent. WHY? The entire process of casting lots. At any moment Achan could have said; “It’s Me!” Instead, he chose to see if he was going to get away with it.
• By the time he confessed, it was a forced confession. There was no
• Sometimes we miss the mercy in stories of the Old Testament. It’s there if you look. God is always giving people many chances to get right with Him
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)
• This verse explain why God is
B. God loves us too much not to
Heb. 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)
• Truths about God’s discipline
o It’s always loving
o He is treating us like His children
o Discipline is evidence of the relationship not lack thereof
o No discipline is enjoyable
o God uses discipline to train us
o Discipline results in living in the way He desires for us
• We should live out our lives with the awareness of this
•
3. Defeat can indicate there is a
A. Israel’s success was in their
• It appears that God thought it was obvious why Israel was defeated
Josh. 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)
• How quick we are to blame God and doubt the promises of God rather than looking at our own hearts and behavior.
• Many of God’s promises are
• John 15 is a great example of this. Often we are too quick to claim the promise before claiming the condition as well.
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)
B. In defeat, the first place to check is our own
• Let me clarify: I am not saying that all negative circumstances constitute defeat or disobedience.
• I am saying that we are often too quick to develop a new strategy for success instead of asking God if there is anything He would like to point out.
Ps. 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)
• Victory is discovered in
4. Victory is the result of
A. When Israel walked in obedience they were
• After Ai, Israel never lost another battle under Joshua’s leadership
• Obedience always trumped the
Josh. 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)
B. As the church walks in obedience we are invincible as well
• The issue is never the strength of the opposition. It will always come down to the
Matt. 16:18 “…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (NLT)
Rom. 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)
• The blessing of God will always come through obedience. This is why following Jesus as individuals and as a church is so important.
• This story is a great example that the success of this church is everyone’s