Heart Prep:
Immediately after Israel’s miraculous victory over Jericho, we see Joshua’s account of Achan’s sin. Despite God’s clear instructions not to take items devoted to destruction, Achan disobeyed, resulting in Israel’s defeat at Ai. We see how seriously God takes sin and disobedience; but we also see His faithfulness. After dealing with Achan’s sin, God remained true to His promises, graciously delivering His people once again. Ultimately, this event points us to the hope found in Jesus. He took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, offering deliverance instead of destruction to all who trust in Him.
Message:
After God gave the Israelites victory at Jericho, He commanded that all treasures from the city be set apart solely for Him. God warned Israel not to take anything. However, a man named Achan disobeyed, secretly taking valuable items for himself. Because of this sin, when Israel attacked the city of Ai, they unexpectedly faced defeat. God revealed the reason, instructing Joshua to uncover the guilty party. Joshua searched until he discovered who had disobeyed God. Achan confessed his wrongdoing and he and his family died. Following Achan’s punishment, God reassured Joshua and gave new instructions. Joshua devised a plan to draw Ai’s soldiers into a trap, resulting in Israel’s victory. In gratitude, Joshua built an altar where the Israelites worshiped God.
Main Point:
“Achan disobeyed the command of God, and his punishment was death. We also deserve the punishment of death for our sin. Jesus, God’s sinless Son, was punished in our place for our sin. Those who trust in Him are forever forgiven of their sin..”
Discussion:
What is the right response when we sin? Do we try to hide our sin like Achan? Why?
God knows our every thought, word, and action even before we do. He tells us to confess our sin and seek repentance through faith in Jesus. We run to Jesus and place our faith in His death and resurrection. When we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). (Option: read Ps. 32:5.)
How did Achan’s sin affect others?
Achan’s sin had consequences for his family and the nation of Israel. Achan’s family died, and the Israelites were run off by the men of Ai. Sin not only affects us but others as well. God desires everyone to turn to Him and live. (Option: read Ezek. 18:31-32.)
Achan coveted the treasure. How can we fight against the sin of coveting?
We can fight the temptation to love other things more than God by being content in Jesus. Knowing Jesus is of greater worth than anything else this world has to offer. We can think about what we have in Christ and how He supplies our every need. (Option: read Phil. 3:8.)
