Introduction: This morning, we want to take a look at three things regarding this particular event. First we want to see the progression of sin, secondly the consequences of sin, and thirdly the solution to sin.
I. The Process of Sin– Joshua 7:20-21 Sin as we will see begins with the eyes and progresses.
1. Achan Saw Something– “When I saw among the spoils”. This problem with the eyes has been a real problem from the very beginning. Genesis 3:6 is when Eve saw this tree and didn’t consider what God had said and as a consequences, sin came into the world. I John 2:15-17 “lust of the eyes”. Lust is evil desires and in the Bible, it is known as Deceitful, Enticing, and Hurtful.
2. Achan Covetted– “then I coveted them”. To covet is to have a strong desire for worldly gain that is incapable of being satisfied or appeased. The Nation of Israel was given the Law found in the Ten Commandments, Achan would have known these- Exodus 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet…anything that is thy neighbour’s”. Covetousness and greed are sins that bring only trouble and pain. (Illustration- Abraham Lincoln with two kids, each wanted two walnuts.)
3. Achan Took It– “and took them”. It went from seeing it, to coveting, to doing it. By the time a person gets to this point, they don’t care what God says or thinks because they care more about themselves and the pleasure it will bring them. Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of it are the issues of life”.
4. Achan Hid It– “they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent”. People will usually hide their sin from other people. If you have to do things in the dark, in secret, behind peoples back, this is not good.
II. The Consequences of Sin– Joshua 7:22-25- Sin not only affects you but everyone around you and it will eventually lead to destruction and death.
1. Sin Destroys Your Life– the person, family, possessions, friends, home, church members, etc. Ecclesiastes 7:17 “Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?” (Ducks in river, pumpkins floating, then they put the pumpkin over their head- the devil wants to deceive by making you think there is no harm in sin).
2. Sin Steals Your Inheritance– Ephesians 5:1-5, speaking to Christians. This is not talking about salvation but about that we are laying up in heaven.
3. Sin Leads to Death– Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”. James 1:15 “Then wen lust hath conceived, it bringers forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringers forth death”.
The Solution to Sin– Joshua 7:20-21 “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel”. When Achan was confronted by Joshua and was asked to confess what the had done, Achan confessed exactly what he had done. When your sin has found you out:
- Be True With God– vs 20 “I have sinned”. Don’t deny it, or hide it, be real and truthful with God. Numbers 32:23 “and be sure your sin will find you out”- before it comes out to the open, address it with God.
- Confess It To God– vs 20 “and thus and thus have I done”. 1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” Get it out in the open before God and then get it out of your life, turn from it.
Conclusion: Achan’s sin ended up in death. God is not pleased with a person who is willfully sinning against God. If you are doing something sinful, God is trying to get your attention and make you see that you need to truly repent (turn from it) and go God’s way. Be true with God, and confess it to Him and then turn from it, it’ll be the best thing to do in your life.
Anchor Baptist Church 