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!