God's Prescription For An Achan Heart Series

Sermon by: Dr. Todd Morris

Text: Joshua 7:1-26

Title: God’s Cure for an Achan Heart (# 6 In Joshua Series)

Date: January 18, 2004

Introduction: Israel has just been involved in the greatest military victory in their history. They have just witnessed God’s defeat of the city of Jericho, and they are still basking in the glow of that event. But verse one of chapter seven tells us that God is upset with the people. Israel thought all was well, that they were standing on the threshold of a great string of victories that would see them conquering the entire Promised Land. Yet, what they did not know was that there was a problem in the camp. There was one in their midst who was causing a great problem for the entire family of God.

Beloved, may I say that things are the same today? We are all members of one body according to the Bible, and the Bible also tells us that when one member of the body has problems we all have problems. You see, your spiritual temperature has a deep effect on the entire body of Christ. You are not an island unto yourself. What you do affects the entire church body. We will see this truth illustrated in this passage this morning.

My purpose in preaching this message is to show each of us that we need to search and examine our hearts. If there is anything that we have hidden away, anything that we think is covered and gone, we need to get it settled with God before we leave this building this morning. We can, and this passage tells us how.

Beloved, sin causes problems. It causes them for the sinners and for everyone else around them. The fact is, most of us are guilty of being like Achan from time to time. When we allow sin into our lives and when we try to hide ours sins and try to cover them up, we bring pain and trouble to our lives. Yes, we are all Achans from time to time, and when we are, our sin causes aching in our lives. But these verses tell us that God has a prescription for an Achan heart. Lets look right now as the Lord gives liberty and help for this hour.

I A PAINFUL DEFEAT (2-5)

A. Israel was a Confident People (2-3)

B. Israel was a Conquered People (4-5a)

1. Joshua and the Israelites never consulted God on dealing with Ai.

2. They didn’t take the Ark of the Covenant into battle.

3. They trusted in their own power.

C. Israel was a Confounded People (5b)

II A PAINFUL DISCOVERY (6-15)

A. Joshua Reacts in Prayer (6-9)

B. God Rehearses the Problem (10-15)

1. God knows about our sin (11)

2. God hates our sin (11)

3. God has a plan for our sin (14-15)

4. God will punish our sin (15)

5. Sin affects those around us (11-12)

6. Sin hi8nders God’s work (12)

7. Sin must be dealt with (13)

III A PAINFUL DEATH (16-26)

A. The Sinner Discovered (16-18)

B. The Sin Discussed (19-21)

1. The Compassion (19)

2. The Confession (20-21)

a. confession, but no repentance

C. The Sinner Destroyed (22-26

Conclusion: Achan’s death could have been avoided at any number of points. He could have been obedient to begin with. He could have confessed and repented after his act. He could have confessed and repented when all were questioned, but he chose to cover his sin instead. At many points Achan could have had his sin taken care of, but he waited until it was too late. Repentance would have been his door of hope, but he refused to walk through it. Beloved, regardless of your sinful condition this morning, if you will come and confess and repent this altar can be your door of hope. Right here, right now your sins can be taken care of. If you have an Achan kind of heart this morning, Jesus is here for the cleansing you need. Just come to Him, confess to Him, repent, and your Achan heart can be transformed into a door of hope.