Achan’s Sin (Joshua 7) “When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them” (21). Discuss background regarding Achan’s sin (6:18) (7:1, 11-15; 21, 25) Story of Achan teaches power of sin. Sin deceives and hardens. (Hebrews 3:13), “but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” We would do well to heed this warning. To learn from the mistake of Achan Story of Achan refutes three myths about sin.

One sin won’t hurt anything! James 2:10 Hebrews 2:1 One sin does hurt. (James 2:10) , “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” Achan's one sin. (Josh. 7:13) (Led to Israel’s defeat, & the death of him and his family) Adam and Eve's one sin. (Gen. 3) (Sin in world, death) Moses' one sin. (Num. 20:7-13) (Not allowed to enter the promised land) Nadab and Abihu's one sin. (Lev. 10) (Death by Fire); Uzzah's one sin. (2 Sam. 6:1-8), (Struck dead); (Annanias & Sapphira (Acts 5), (also struck dead) Rich Young Ruler's one thing. (Luke 18:22-23) (Went away sorrowful and lost) Simon's one sin. (Acts 8:18-23) (Your money perish with you! One sin often lead to others. 1. Joseph's brothers. (Gen. 37) 2. David's sin. (2 Sam. 11; Psa. 51:3) FINALLY APOSTACY (Hebrews 2:1), “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. One sin weakens resistance to others

My sin is nobody’s business but my own! 1 Corinthians 5:6 Exodus 20:5-6 Achan's sin affected his nation. (1 Corinthians 5:6), “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” All Israel rebuked. (Josh. 7:1) All Israel suffered defeat. (Josh. 7:2-5) Achan's sin affects His family. (Josh. 7:24) Others often have to suffer consequences of your sin. (Exodus 20:5-6), “you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Note: Physical consequences of sin, as well as bad influences leading to wrong decisions by others But, “the soul who sins shall die.” (No one bears the GUILT of your sin but you). Who suffers because of your sin? Family, friends, fellow citizens, brethren…

I can keep my sin hidden! Numbers 32:23 Hebrews 4:11-13 Sins have a way of being found out! (Numbers 32:23), [Moses’ warning to children of Reuben and Gad, if they did not keep promise to fight with the rest of the people) “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.” Prisons filled with criminals that thought their sin was hidden Families destroyed by adulterers who thought they could hide their sin Never hidden from God. (Hebrews 4:11-13), “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Our secret sins known to Lord. Our hypocrisy known to Lord. Often not even hidden from others. (Exodus 2:11-15) (When Moses killed the Egyptian, his secret act was seen!) Often we are more transparent than we think.

Conclusion One sin, not repented of, can ruin your life on this earth, and destroy your designs on eternity! (Luke 13:3) (Luke 13:3), “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”