“Power of sin”
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 7:1. But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan, son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.
OBSERVATION
Summary
Israel was defeated by Ai, because of Achan’s sin, which caused God’s wrath upon Israel.
Who is God
• Do not touch objects dedicated to God.
• God does not dwell among the communities that have lost holiness.
APPLICATION
The people of Israel were defeated by Ai, shortly after they defeated the great city of Jericho. The cause of defeat was a hidden sin Achan committed. Through the defeat of Israel in today’s passage, we realize the reality of sin.
Joshua and the people of Israel, who conquered the great Jericho, did not conquer the community’s sin caused by greed. Joshua’s reputation spread throughout Canaan. However, Joshua failed to defeat due to the sin of one man in the Israeli community.
Sin was the cause of God’s fierce anger. Although God stands with Israel’s people, loves them, and cares for them, one man’s sin immediately brought about God’s wrath.
Sin lowers us. God lowered Israel in the face of nations. Sin causes misery and defeat. The small city of Ai defeated the Israelites who conquered Jericho. Sin blocks God’s grace. Sin results in ruin and defeat. This is God’s irrevocable law.
Sin has a significant influence. One man’s sins affected the entire Israeli community. If one part of the body is ill, the whole body is sick. Therefore, we should intercede for each other’s sins. The influence of sin goes down to the children. Even the sons and daughters of Achan were stoned to death. As such, the result of sin is serious.
Sin will be revealed one day. God was watching the secret sins of one man. One day, even a tiny secret sin will be revealed unless it is dealt with through thorough repentance and be removed.
How did this sin begin in the Israeli community? Achan’s sins began with his failure to obey God’s order. God ordered that Jericho’s plunders were to be given to God, and nothing should be taken. But Achan ignored this God’s orders and warnings, and he robbed some. Do not break even a single word of God. If We did, we should confess and repent and be cleansed.
- Sin to avoid: Do not break any of God’s word.
- Promise to hold: God is holy.
- Action to take place: Fear God and do not sin, Do not violate any of God’s words.
PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for forgiving all my sins. Keep me, my daughter, and our church from the influence of sin. Please protect us that any sin can not touch any of ICC believers.
Pastor Sharon Lee's QT 