Lessons of Obedience, Sin, and Redemption in Joshua
Summary
On this blessed Lord's Day, we gather to reflect on the story of Joshua and the Israelites from Joshua chapter 7, a narrative that teaches us profound lessons about obedience, sin, and redemption. The Israelites, fresh from their victory over Jericho, faced an unexpected defeat at Ai. This defeat was not due to military strategy but because of disobedience to God's command. Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things, which led to God's anger burning against the entire nation. This story serves as a reminder that our actions, even those we consider private, can have communal consequences.
The narrative of Achan is a powerful illustration of how sin can disrupt not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. Achan's actions brought trouble upon Israel, highlighting the concept of federal headship, where one person's sin affects the whole community. This story urges us to examine our own lives and the hidden sins that may be hindering our spiritual progress. It is a call to seek God's guidance not only in significant matters but also in the seemingly small decisions of life.
Joshua's response to the defeat at Ai teaches us about the importance of seeking God's direction. Initially, Joshua relied on his military advisors rather than consulting God, which led to failure. This serves as a reminder that we must prioritize our relationship with God and seek His wisdom in all things. When Joshua finally turned to God, he received clear instructions on how to address the sin in the camp, demonstrating that God is always ready to guide us when we turn to Him with a sincere heart.
The story also reveals God's grace amidst judgment. Despite the severity of Achan's punishment, the time taken to identify him was an opportunity for repentance. This delay was God's grace, offering Achan a chance to confess and seek forgiveness. It reminds us that God is patient and desires for us to come to Him in repentance, offering us grace even when we fall short.
Finally, the narrative points us to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who, unlike Achan, bore the punishment for our sins, offering us a path to reconciliation with God. This story of sin, judgment, and grace is a powerful reminder of the gospel message and the hope we have in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Communal Impact of Sin: Achan's sin affected the entire nation of Israel, illustrating how our personal actions can have far-reaching consequences. This story challenges us to consider the hidden sins in our lives and their potential impact on our communities. We are reminded that God sees all and calls us to live in integrity and obedience. [12:54]
2. The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance: Joshua's initial failure to consult God before attacking Ai serves as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's wisdom in all aspects of life, not just in major decisions. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we align ourselves with His will and receive the guidance needed for success. [18:35]
3. God's Grace in Judgment: Despite Achan's severe punishment, the time taken to identify him was an act of grace, offering him a chance to repent. This delay highlights God's patience and His desire for us to turn back to Him. It encourages us to recognize the grace extended to us and to respond with repentance and humility. [37:20]
4. The Role of Obedience in Spiritual Victory: The Israelites' defeat at Ai was a direct result of disobedience. This narrative teaches us that spiritual victories are contingent upon our obedience to God's commands. By aligning our lives with God's will, we position ourselves to experience His blessings and favor. [29:09]
5. The Hope of Redemption Through Christ: The story of Achan ultimately points us to the redemption found in Jesus Christ. Unlike Achan, who faced judgment for his sin, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This narrative reminds us of the hope and grace available to us through faith in Christ. [39:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Praise and Worship
[01:48] - Introduction and Greetings
[02:33] - Scripture Reading: Joshua 7
[03:41] - How to Get Out of Trouble
[04:40] - Personal Story: Speeding Ticket
[11:25] - The Sin of Achan
[12:54] - God's Anger and Federal Headship
[14:43] - Disobedience and Consequences
[18:35] - The Importance of Consulting God
[25:26] - God's Direction and Delay
[27:45] - The Problem of Sin
[29:09] - The Process of Revelation
[33:31] - The Truth Honors God
[36:10] - The Destruction of Sin
[37:20] - Grace in the Delay
[39:33] - Redemption Through Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 7:1-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific action did Achan take that led to God's anger against Israel? [02:33]
2. How did Joshua initially respond to the defeat at Ai, and what was missing from his approach? [18:35]
3. What was the process God instructed Joshua to follow to identify the source of sin in the camp? [29:09]
4. How did Achan's actions affect the entire community of Israel? [12:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of Achan teach about the communal impact of individual sin? How does this concept of federal headship apply to modern communities? [12:54]
2. In what ways does Joshua's failure to consult God before attacking Ai serve as a lesson for decision-making in our lives? [18:35]
3. How does the delay in identifying Achan reflect God's grace and patience? What does this reveal about God's character? [37:20]
4. How does the narrative of Achan point to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ? What parallels can be drawn between Achan's story and the gospel message? [39:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your actions, though seemingly private, had a broader impact on your community. How did you address the situation, and what did you learn from it? [12:54]
2. Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you ensure that you are seeking God's guidance in this matter? What steps will you take to prioritize your relationship with God in decision-making? [18:35]
3. Identify a hidden sin or struggle in your life that may be hindering your spiritual progress. What practical steps can you take to address this issue and seek God's forgiveness? [29:09]
4. How can you cultivate a heart of repentance and humility in your daily walk with God? What role does accountability play in this process? [37:20]
5. In what ways can you extend grace to others, as God extends grace to us? Share a recent experience where you had the opportunity to show grace and what the outcome was. [37:20]
6. How does the story of Achan challenge you to live a life of integrity and obedience? What specific changes can you make to align your actions with God's will? [29:09]
7. Reflect on the hope of redemption through Christ. How does this assurance impact your daily life and interactions with others? [39:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Ripple Effect of Sin
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 serves as a stark reminder of how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences on a community. Achan's decision to take the devoted things led to God's anger against the entire nation of Israel, resulting in their defeat at Ai. This narrative illustrates the concept of federal headship, where one person's sin affects the whole community. It challenges us to reflect on the hidden sins in our lives and their potential impact on those around us. We are reminded that God sees all and calls us to live in integrity and obedience. [12:54]
Joshua 7:11-12 (ESV): "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."
Reflection: Consider a hidden sin in your life that might be affecting your relationships or community. How can you bring this to God in confession and seek His help in making amends today?
Day 2: Seeking Divine Guidance
Joshua's initial failure to consult God before attacking Ai serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking divine guidance. Instead of relying on his military advisors, Joshua should have prioritized his relationship with God and sought His wisdom. This story emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's direction in all aspects of life, not just in major decisions. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we position ourselves to receive the guidance needed for success. [18:35]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's guidance in this matter? What steps can you take today to prioritize seeking His wisdom?
Day 3: Grace in the Midst of Judgment
Despite the severity of Achan's punishment, the time taken to identify him was an act of grace, offering him a chance to repent. This delay highlights God's patience and His desire for us to turn back to Him. It encourages us to recognize the grace extended to us and to respond with repentance and humility. God's grace is evident even in judgment, reminding us of His desire for reconciliation and redemption. [37:20]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace in a situation where you deserved judgment. How can you extend that same grace to others in your life today?
Day 4: Obedience as the Path to Victory
The Israelites' defeat at Ai was a direct result of disobedience. This narrative teaches us that spiritual victories are contingent upon our obedience to God's commands. By aligning our lives with God's will, we position ourselves to experience His blessings and favor. Obedience is not just about following rules but about cultivating a heart that seeks to honor God in all things. [29:09]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God. What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?
Day 5: Redemption Through Christ
The story of Achan ultimately points us to the redemption found in Jesus Christ. Unlike Achan, who faced judgment for his sin, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This narrative reminds us of the hope and grace available to us through faith in Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the gospel message and the transformative power of redemption. [39:33]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Reflect on the redemption you have received through Christ. How can you share this message of hope and grace with someone in your life today?
Quotes
Hear me, child of God. You need to talk to God, not just for the big stuff, but you need to talk to God. Come on now for the little stuff. You not only need to talk to God for those things that you deem that are beyond your control, but you need to talk to God concerning those things that you believe. You can handle in your own strength. Are y 'all with me here? [00:11:08]
I know we like to talk to the experts. I know we live in a stage of Google and we. Some. Times want to look things up for ourselves. We want to call our family members and friends to see what their opinion is. I submit to you before you turn on your computer, before you pick up your phone and talk to your coworkers and your friends and neighbors, you need to have conversation with God. Put God first. He made you. He knows all about you. [00:17:47]
Maybe that's new news for you. I know we talk about the love of God and the peace of God and the grace of God and mercy of God, but maybe God woke you up to have you come to this service this morning for me to tell you, God gets angry. Oh, yes, he does. God is so holy. God is so sovereign to where you can kindle the anger of God to where he won't allow you to go to the next level until you deal with your sin. [00:13:15]
Joshua name means the Lord saves or the Lord in the Hebraic tongue is salvation and Joshua has just led them he's a great military strategist he has just led them to victory just one chapter ago in chapter 6 they had victory over Jericho wouldn't you know it on the hills of victory they suffer a great defeat they have just come off of their spiritual high of winning of being victorious of having one battle under their belt but now on on the heels of that they are suffering a great defeat scoot up a little closer and smell smell what I'm cooking here here here's the tension of the tits it's kind of like you hearing on social media that Mike Tyson got knocked out by Gary Coleman it's like what no I'm not joking Gary Coleman knocked out Mike Tyson I is a small seemingly insignificant city they they they appeal in comparison to the city of Jericho AI is such a small place to where Joshua receives intel from his military team and his military advisors they say we don't need to take all of this with us of our soldiers over to this battle with AI just allow us to take a few men [00:08:37]
I wish I had time to work that out. One man, it's technically called federal headship. This is where one person represents the many. One person represents everybody. God is, God's angry. [00:12:40]
God sometimes will allow you to get whooped so he can teach you a lesson. Please hear me. Sometimes God, God, God will allow you to be embarrassed. Please. so that he can get your attention are y 'all are y 'all with me verse six if you haven't put your bible away says then it's a reference to time if you if you juxtapose what happens in chapter six it's verse two that joshua is talking to the lord it is not until verse six in chapter seven he decides to talk to the lord watch this move then joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the lord until the evening he and his and the elders of israel and they put dust on their heads that's manners and customs and joshua said alas oh lord god why have you brought this people over the jordan at all to give us into the hands of the amorites to destroy us would that we had been content to dwell beyond the jordan oh lord what can i say when israel has turned their backs before their enemies for the canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth and what will you do for your great name verse 10 then brother the lord said to joshua get up you do know prayer is not a monologue prayer is a dialogue prayer is you talking to god and god talking back to you it's not just you getting on your knees essentially standing before the complaint counter telling god all of your issues and ills and woes and your wishes and dreams you need to spend enough time in prayer on your knees in silence waiting for the spirit of God to speak to your soul [00:18:58]
Indeed, God intentionally is saying, I'm going to put y 'all in a holding pattern until we address this issue of sin. Y 'all looking at me like that, but can I tell you something? Israel problem is our problem. That three letter word sin, a little S on one side, a little N on one side, and a great big I in the middle. We've all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We didn't desire or earn the right to be in here today, lifting up holy hands. And singing holy songs and dancing a holy dance. We didn't earn our place in this worship service today. We're all in here by the grace of God. [00:27:50]
I took the fix it ticket I took back retrieval of my information and put it in the glove box and I obeyed the speed laws till I got till I got to church um a deacon of the church Daryl Jones said why are you all late I said man I got I got pulled over this morning he says what happened I said I was doing 95 on the 95 he says man you are lucky they should have towed that car and hauled you off to jail we would have been bailing you out today he says you were moving at a reckless speed I turned to Daryl and said no I'm not lucky I'm blessed but it is in the spirit of this ticket that I received that I want you to focus in for a few moments on the passage that I've called your attention to let me open the sermon up with a question have you ever been in trouble I mean serious trouble I mean sometimes you can be in trouble and not even know you're in trouble well here it is in this particular text Joshua chapter 7 Joshua is leading the nation the book of exodus who is written by Moses tells us there are 6 000 men not counting the women and children so easily there are a million plus people exodus 24 chapter there that Moses records the number of people but Moses is dead now the responsibility of leading the nation is on the new generation Joshua he says man you are lucky they should have towed that car and hauled you off today he says you were lucky they should have towed that car and hauled you off today he says there are 6 000 men not counting the women and children [00:06:32]
Joshua name means the Lord saves or the Lord in the Hebraic tongue is salvation and Joshua has just led them he's a great military strategist he has just led them to victory just one chapter ago in chapter 6 they had victory over Jericho wouldn't you know it on the hills of victory they suffer a great defeat they have just come off of their spiritual high of winning of being victorious of having one battle under their belt but now on on the heels of that they are suffering a great defeat scoot up a little closer and smell smell what I'm cooking here here here's the tension of the tits it's kind of like you hearing on social media that Mike Tyson got knocked out by Gary Coleman it's like what no I'm not joking Gary Coleman knocked out Mike Tyson I is a small seemingly insignificant city they they they appeal in comparison to the city of Jericho AI is such a small place to where Joshua receives intel from his military team and his military advisors they say we don't need to take all of this with us of our soldiers over to this battle with AI just allow us to take a few men [00:08:37]
I submit to you that the time that this took, it wasn't for Joshua. It wasn't for the nation. God was given Achan time to come and plead his case before the court of heaven. God was giving him time to say, it's me, O Lord. It's me, O Lord. Not my mother, not my father, not my sister, nor my brother, but it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. [00:37:20]
Joshua teaches us in chapter seven he teaches us that giving glory to God and giving praise to God is simply telling the truth when when you tell the truth you honor God the truth honors God and God honors the truth well they they disobeyed they were disciplined they they received direction they they were delayed and finally the sin is destroyed [00:33:31]
Finally, the narrative points us to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who, unlike Achan, bore the punishment for our sins, offering us a path to reconciliation with God. This story of sin, judgment, and grace is a powerful reminder of the gospel message and the hope we have in Christ. [00:39:33]
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