The Sin of Achan

Text: Joshua 6:17-19, 7:1-26

Introduction

Achan is one of the prime examples of “What not to do” in the Bible. The Israelites were directly commanded not to take of the spoils of the city, yet he disobeyed and brought destruction upon himself, his family and his country. However, a close examination reveals that we have all committed the “Sin of Achan”.

I. Achan committed the sin of disobedience.

A. He took the accursed goods and therefore brought a curse upon him.

1. He knew it was wrong, but did it anyway.

2. James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

3. Adam was given a very similar commandment and disobeyed.

4. Just like Adam and Achan, we have all been disobedient.

B. Even though no one else knew, God knew of his sin.

1. You cannot hide your sins from God.

2. Psalms 139:1-12

3. You will one day give an account for your actions.

4. Philippians 2:10-11 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

II. Achan’s sin affected more people than just him (vs. 5, 24).

A. It first affected God’s people.

1. A small city defeated and humiliated them in battle.

2. You cannot experience victory over life’s challenges if you have hidden sin in your life.

3. Thirty-six warriors died in the attack as a result of Achan’s sin.

4. Your unforgiven sins will have an effect on your church.

5. I Corinthians 12:12-26

B. It had an effect on him.

1. He was stoned to death.

2. Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

3. You can only play with fire so long before getting burnt.

C. It affected his family.

1. His sin ended up killing his whole family.

2. Your sins will have an affect on your family.

D. Adam’s sin affected other people also.

1. His sin plunged the entire human race into sin and death.

a. Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

b. Sin is an earthquake; it has an immediate damage radius, but in many cases, the aftershocks are just as bad if not worse.

III. Sin separates us from God (vs. 12).

A. Sin comes with an expensive price tag.

1. Don’t be fooled, it’s not worth the price you’ll pay.

2. “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 3:23

B. God created a payment plan.

1. In Israel’s case, it cost the lives of Achan and his family.

2. “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

3. Jesus died for Adam’s sin, Achan’s sin, and our sins so that we could experience the victory that he has to offer.

4. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Conclusion

Israel went on to conquer the city of Ai in an ambush. You, also, can experience victory, but like Israel, you must first purge yourself. This requires a complete repentance (180) of the sins hidden under the mat in your tent. Confess your sins to God and be healed.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16,17