Study 13: Joshua 7: 1-26

In Study 13 on Joshua 7:1-26, join TDC as we explore the story of Achan, who disobeyed God by taking forbidden spoils during the conquest of Jericho, leading to Israel’s defeat at Ai. Highlighting the consequences of sin and disobedience, and emphasizing the impact of individual actions on the community, Trent explores the idea that hidden sins can weaken and destroy -not just individuals- but entire communities. Achan's story is a cautionary tale about the importance of upholding God’s commandments to maintain divine favor and ensure collective success. The sermon, delivered on Mother’s Day, called on the congregation to reflect on their personal and communal commitments to God's laws, urging them to examine any hidden sins that might hinder their spiritual well-being. 

Sermon Outline

Introduction

• [00:01-00:56] Opening remarks and Mother’s Day greetings.

• [00:57-01:03] Introduction to the book of Joshua and the relevance of scripture regardless of the occasion.

Chapter 1: The Story of Achan

• [01:03-02:05] Summary of Joshua Chapter 7 focusing on Achan's sin and its impact on Israel.

• [02:06-03:49] Explanation of how Achan’s disobedience led to Israel's defeat in battle, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God’s commands.

Chapter 2: The Nature of Hidden Sin

• [03:50-06:54] Discussion on the destructive nature of secret sins and their communal impact.

• [06:55-10:03] Detailed analysis of how hidden sins affected not just Achan but the entire community of Israel.

Chapter 3: The Importance of Obedience

• [10:04-14:36] Emphasis on obedience to God as the only path to victory and blessing.

• [14:37-18:30] Encouragement to the congregation to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and to embrace God's guidance fully.

Chapter 4: Seeking and Following God’s Guidance

• [18:31-22:36] Call to always seek God's guidance before making decisions, using Joshua's failure to consult God as a key example.

• [22:37-27:54] Reflection on the role of leadership and responsibility in preventing communal sin.

Chapter 5: Consequences and Redemption

• [27:55-34:59] Exploration of the consequences of Achan's actions on his family and on Israel, and how these actions led to severe repercussions.

• [35:00-41:36] Discussion on the process of redemption and the importance of confession and repentance in breaking the cycle of sin.

Conclusion

• [41:37-50:49] Final thoughts on the need for vigilance against sin and the power of God's forgiveness.

• [50:50-52:56] Closing prayer and benediction, emphasizing hope and renewal through adherence to God’s word.

Scripture References

• Joshua 7

• [00:29-04:56] Throughout the sermon, the entire chapter of Joshua 7 is the focal point. It is discussed extensively as a narrative that illustrates the severe consequences of Achan’s sin on the community, emphasizing the themes of disobedience and punishment.

• Matthew 24:36, 24:44

• [00:43-00:49] These verses are mentioned in the context of God’s unpredictability and sovereignty. The reference is used to underscore the idea that God's timing and judgments are beyond human understanding, relevant to the sudden defeat of Israel due to hidden sin.

• 1 Corinthians 15:54, 57

• [03:19] These verses about victory over death and sin are used to amplify the message that ultimate victory comes from God, contrasting the defeat Israel faced because of disobedience.

• 2 Peter 3:3-4

• [06:56-07:00] Cited to discuss skepticism and doubt among believers, especially concerning the promises of God’s return, mirroring Israel’s doubt in God’s promises due to hidden sins affecting their outcomes.

• 1 John 4:4

• [12:01-12:08] Used to encourage believers that the one who is in them (God) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan), emphasizing the need for reliance on God's strength to overcome temptations like those that led to Achan's sin.

• Proverbs 28:13

• [52:33-52:56] Mentioned towards the end of the sermon as a poignant reminder that whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. This ties back to the main theme of confession and repentance as critical actions to mitigate the consequences of sin seen in Joshua 7.

• Psalm 32:5

• [52:56] This Psalm, where David speaks about confessing his sins to the Lord and being forgiven, is referenced to encourage the congregation to confess their own sins, drawing a parallel to the hidden sins in Joshua 7 that needed to be confessed for redemption.
  

Reflection Questions

Scripture: Joshua 7:1

Question: Achan’s actions led to severe consequences for the entire Israelite community. How does this story influence your understanding of the impact your private actions can have on those around you?

Scripture: Joshua 7:10-12

Question: God tells Joshua that Israel cannot stand against their enemies because there is sin in the camp. Reflect on a time when unresolved issues in your life might have hindered your spiritual or communal growth. How did you address these issues?

Scripture: Joshua 7:19-21

Question: Achan confesses his sin only when confronted directly by Joshua. Consider the power of confession in your life. How does openly acknowledging your mistakes before God and others bring healing or restoration?

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Question: This verse promises forgiveness and cleansing from unrighteousness if we confess our sins. How does the promise of forgiveness influence your willingness to come clean about your sins?

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13

Question: This proverb highlights the blessings of confessing and renouncing sins. Reflect on an area of your life where you need to confess and renounce sin. What steps can you take to move towards repentance and experience God's mercy?

Word Study

1. חֵטְא (Chet') - Sin

• Reference in Sermon: [10:49]

• Explanation: The Hebrew word for sin, חֵטְא (chet'), appears prominently in discussions of Achan's actions. It generally means to miss the mark or fail in duty, often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe acts that go against God’s commands and result in separation from God. This word is crucial in understanding the nature of Achan's actions as not just a moral failure but a spiritual deviation that affected the entire community.

• Relevance: Reflecting on חֵטְא deepens the understanding of sin’s impact, emphasizing that it is not just a personal issue but one that can have communal consequences, as seen in Achan’s story.

מָעַל (Ma'al) - Trespass

• Reference in Sermon: [10:49]

• Explanation: מָעַל (ma'al) is used in the Old Testament to mean treachery or trespass. It is specifically used to denote unfaithfulness or breach of trust against God or others. In the context of Joshua 7, it highlights the breach of covenant Achan committed by taking the devoted things, thus bringing calamity upon Israel.

• Relevance: Studying מָעַל provides insight into the seriousness of Achan’s sin from a covenantal perspective, showing that his actions were not merely individual errors but violations of a divine agreement that jeopardized the entire community's relationship with God.

חֵרֶם (Cherem) - Devoted

• Reference in Sermon: [09:18-10:03]

• Explanation: חֵרֶם (cherem) refers to a ban or devotion, specifically to destruction or dedicating something to God in a way that it must not be used by humans but must be destroyed or given to God. In Joshua 7, the "devoted things" are those items from Jericho that were supposed to be destroyed or turned over to the treasury of the Lord.

• Relevance: Understanding חֵרֶם sheds light on the gravity of Achan’s theft. By taking what was devoted (חֵרֶם), Achan not only stole physical items but also attempted to subvert divine command and ownership, leading to severe repercussions for himself and Israel.

Exegesis Opportunities

1. The Theology of Corporate Responsibility

• Study Focus: Examine the biblical principle of corporate responsibility, where the actions of one individual affect the entire community, as exemplified by Achan's sin affecting all of Israel.

• Key Scriptures: Joshua 7, 1 Corinthians 12:26, Romans 12:4-5

• Purpose: How do my actions influence the broader community of faith? This personal study invites reflection on the scriptural teachings of corporate responsibility, examining both Old and New Testament perspectives. Explore how personal integrity and ethical behavior can contribute to the spiritual and relational health of your church or community group.

2. Concept of חֵרֶם (Cherem) and Its Implications in the Conquest Narratives

• Study Focus: Investigate the concept of חֵרֶם (cherem), often translated as "ban" or "devoted to destruction," within the context of the Israelite conquests, particularly focusing on its usage in Joshua 6-7.

• Key Scriptures: Joshua 6:17-19, Joshua 7, Leviticus 27:28-29

• Purpose: What does the practice of חֵרֶם (cherem) reveal about God’s justice and mercy? In this study, delve into the complex and often troubling concept of "devotion to destruction" within the context of the Israelite conquests. Consider how this ancient practice impacts modern understandings of divine justice and how it aligns with the teachings of Jesus about love and justice.

3. Sin, Confession, and Atonement in the Old Testament

• Study Focus: Explore the themes of sin, its confession, and the process of atonement in the Old Testament, using Achan's story as a case study.

• Key Scriptures: Joshua 7, Numbers 5:6-7, 1 John 1:9

• Purpose: How do concepts of sin, confession, and atonement affect my relationship with God and others? This study aims to explore the dynamics of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness within the framework of Old Testament practices. Reflect on the role of confession in your own life and how it facilitates reconciliation and spiritual renewal in light of both Old and New Testament teachings.