• Hans Christian Anderson The Princess and the Pea
• The story goes a princess is trying to prove that she is who she says she is. And the queen puts her to a test. She places a pea under her matress. All through the night the princess tosses and turns. All because of a little pea!
• This story always reminds me of sin that consumes our lives. Sometimes it can be the smallest sin, yet it weighs so heavy that we toss and turn all through the night.
• All sin irritates and eventually defeats us.
• Israel knew this all too well and in the story of Achan's sin how deadly the littlest sin can be.
• We want to look at Joshua 7:1-5 to better understand where sin comes from, what are it's distinguishing marks, and how do we cure sin.
• Read Joshua 7:1-5
• context: Isreal under the leadership of Joshua have just entered into Canaan. Their first conquest was Jericho. It was fairly easy for them, why? Because the Lord was their banner, their defender.
• They had a command from Joshua. Destroy the city, leave the plunder for the Lord's treasury, and let Rahab and her family live.
• After the defeat of the city our text transpires.

Sins Cause

• Self-Confidence (vv. 2-3)
• It appears the victory was not humbling but rather prideful for the Israelites.
• Remember when they first spied out the land they considered themselves grasshoppers to these giants.
• So why is it different with Ai than with Jericho. Before they had hope, faith, and trust now...
• Prayerlessness (2-5)
• They seem to forget to glorify the one giving them victory
• When you face life prayerlessly you are setting yourself up for failure. You will more easily fall prey to sin.
• Disobedience (v. 1)
• They acted unfaithfully
• God dislikes unfaithfulness. It's the essence of the first commandment. It's a biblical reason for divorce

Sin's Distinguishing Marks (11)

• God does not treat sin lightly (v. 25)
• Furthermore the wages of sin is death, Rom. 3:23
• Sin never affects you alone. It always affects others (v. 5, 24-26)
• One man sinned, many people paid with their lives, many others suffered pain and loss. All because of sin. This is what your sin does as well.

Sin's Cure (vv. 12-21)

• Sin must be identified (14-21)
• Your self must be crucifiec (12-13)
• Col. 3:5. Rom 6:6
• Here's the good news Rom. 6:23...the gift of God

Conclusion

• Have you experienced defeat in your life because of sin? Well here is how we can have victory even in defeat. Confess your sin, crucify yourself by submitting to Christ's lordship and get to know the one who paid the sin price for you.