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Achan: Introduction. Old enough to have plurality of sons & daughters Among the “2 nd generation” out of Egypt, as the first had perished in the wilderness Either born in Egypt – 40-60 years old Or born in the wilderness – 20-40 years old Of the tribe of Judah
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Achan: Introduction • Old enough to have plurality of sons & daughters • Among the “2nd generation” out of Egypt, as the first had perished in the wilderness • Either born in Egypt – 40-60 years old • Or born in the wilderness – 20-40 years old • Of the tribe of Judah • Witnessed the mighty hand of God in the defeat of Jericho just minutes before He chose to disobey Him • Israel captured Jericho just as the Lord had instructed them (Joshua 6:3-5, 20-21).
Achan: What HE Did • The Lord warned Israel • Joshua 6:17-18 (cf. Deuteronomy 7:21-26) • Achan ignored the Divine warning • Joshua 7:21 – He took from “among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels” and hid them in his tent. • Joshua 7:15 – “…he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and…has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.'" • Israel, as a nation, paid a price • Joshua 7:1-5 • Achan & his family were put to death • Joshua 7:24-26
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • It is attractive! (cf. James 1:13-16) • Achan said, “When I saw among the spoils…” (7:21) • Obviously, all the Israelites saw the spoils • Covetousness, a tool of Satan, captured his heart • Sin (succumbing) is not always pre-planned! • Achan probably did not predetermine to take spoils • When a covetous eye sees beautiful, satisfying and convincing means of “improving life,” it becomes his idol (cf. Ex. 20:17; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; 1 Jn. 2:15-17) • Sin can come in “little” packages too! • Achan did not take a great amount (in comparison) • No matter the size, sin is sin!
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • Secret sin is still sin! • Many try to hide sin, believing that as long as their sins are kept secret, everything will be fine. • Achan hid “his spoils” in the ground inside his tent • How did he intend to keep money & garment secret? • One’s conduct eventually reflects one’s heart. • As much as we think through even the most secretive of sinful acts and think we’ve got it all figured out, God still knows! He’s not fooled! • “Sin lies at the door” (Genesis 4:7) • “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23) • “Whatever a man sows, he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7) • “All things are naked and open” to Him (Heb. 4:13)
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • Secret sin is still sin! • Sin reflects upon & effects beyond the sinner! • The sin of one reflects on ones who haven’t sinned! • “But the children of Israel committed a trespass” (7:1, 11) • The sin of one was upon 601,730 fighting men (6:18) • Our every action (including sin) reflects upon Christ, for we wear His name (Acts 11:26; 5:41) • Our every action (including sin) reflects upon our brethren (1 Tim. 4:12) • Our every action (including sin) reflects upon His blood-bought church (Eph. 5:27; 4:1)
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • Secret sin is still sin! • Sin reflects upon & effects beyond the sinner! • The sin of one reflects on ones who haven’t sinned! • The sin of one negatively effects others who haven’t sinned…yet! • The entire progress of God’s nation was thwarted • 36 Israelites were killed; Israel was defeated at Ai • “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6) • Sin can negatively effect, to the point of destructive and detrimental influence, a nation trying to conquer the Promised Land or the church trying to further the cause of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 12:26; 5:7; Josh. 7:13)
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • Secret sin is still sin! • Sin reflects upon & effects beyond the sinner! • Sin has consequences! • “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). • All sin is “against the Lord God” (7:20, 15) • God is just & His law must be obeyed • Achan and his children were stoned for their crime • His sons & daughters must have been willing accomplices, having stolen booty hidden in their tent • When the penalty for sin is paid, God’s anger is turned and His mercy is triumphant! (cf. 7:26-8:1)
Achan: What WE Learn • The strength of temptation is powerful! • Secret sin is still sin! • Sin reflects upon & effects beyond the sinner! • Sin has consequences! • The dangers of covetousness are enormous! • It can separate man, a family, a nation & even a church from God! • Through this one act, Achan became known as “the troubler of Israel” (1 Chron. 2:7; Josh. 6:18; 7:25). • It can cost YOU your soul (Luke 12:15-21). • Covetousness is a form of selfishness, where one is willing to sacrifice others for his own gain!