Joshua 7

Leaving Achan Behind: Walking in Forgiveness

Bible Passage: Jos 7:1–26

Summary: In Joshua 7:1-26, we learn about Achan's sin where he disobeys God's commandment regarding the spoils of Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai. His sin not only affected him but also resulted in the suffering of his entire community until the sin was addressed through confession and judgment.

Application: This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while we have received forgiveness in Christ, returning to sin can have consequences that extend beyond ourselves. It challenges Christians to recognize the impact of personal choices on the community and to live in a manner that reflects God’s grace and obedience to His commands.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that receiving forgiveness does not give us a license to return to sin. Instead, it calls us to lead lives marked by gratitude and righteousness, serving as examples of God's redemptive work in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of taking sin seriously and the communal nature of our faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible as a whole, this passage points towards the need for atonement and sacrifice, foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Just as Achan's sin brought consequences, Christ's obedience leads to salvation for all who believe, showing the importance of remaining in Him as we navigate our spiritual journey.

Big Idea: We are called to live in the freedom of forgiveness, leaving behind the sin that entangles us and affects our community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the themes of communal responsibility in sin and forgiveness within the Old Testament. You could examine how Achan's actions reflect on broader community implications and compare that with New Testament teachings on the body of Christ in your Logos library. Additionally, look into Hebrew words for sin and the nuances of judgment in this passage to strengthen your understanding of the text.

1. Actions Affect All

Jos 7:1–5

You could highlight how Achan’s secret sin affected the entire community, leading to national defeat. His actions serve as a reminder that our personal sins can have broader implications than we realize. This point emphasizes the communal nature of sin and how our actions impact others around us. It’s essential to live in the light of God’s forgiveness but with a responsibility to others, reflecting Jesus’ call to love our neighbors.

2. Acknowledging a Wrong Way

Jos 7:6–15

Perhaps focus on how Joshua and the elders sought God’s guidance after their defeat. This illustrates the importance of seeking divine wisdom and acknowledging sin when things go wrong. It’s a call to align ourselves with God’s will rather than persisting in disobedience. This point underscores the need for repentance and surrender to God, mirroring how Christ intercedes for us to maintain our right standing before God.

3. Admitting We Err

Jos 7:16–21

Maybe explore how Achan’s confession, although too late, highlights the importance of being truthful before God. God’s justice required acknowledgment of sin, just as our Christian journey requires us to confess our sins for healing and restoration. This point stresses God’s justice and mercy and points to the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, teaching us to live in His truth.

4. Abandoning Sin’s Grip

Jos 7:22–26

You could discuss the consequences of Achan’s actions and the need for removing sin from our lives. This section demonstrates that while God is just, He also offers a way out through Christ, who breaks the chains of sin. We are called to live in the freedom Christ gives and to make choices that honor Him, recognizing the seriousness of sin’s impact on both personal and communal levels.