Devoted To Destruction Series

Joshua 7:10-12

Devoted To Destruction

Introduction: I have secret that I would like to share with you this morning. It’s one that I;m not proud of . I am a recovering addict…I have battled addiction my whole life and will continue to battle it from this day forward. It has caused me to do things I’m not proud of, it has brought shame on my family and because of my choices I years ago was found guilty and sentenced to death…My addiction was to sin.

Joshua 7:10-12

10 The LORD then said to Joshua, "Stand up! Why are you on the ground? 11 Israel has sinned. They have violated My covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put [the things] with their own belongings. 12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs [and run] from their enemies, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from you what is set apart.

Background: Joshua 6 18-20

But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you [c] take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster on it. 19 For all the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the LORD and must go into the LORD’s treasury."

I. THE CAUSE OF SIN (VS 1)

1 The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites.

Illustration: Regarding sin, one observed: Man calls it an accident, God calls it an abomination Man calls it a blunder, God calls it a blindness Man calls it a defect, God calls it a disease Man calls it chance, God calls it a choice Man calls it an error, God calls it enmity Man calls it fascination, God calls it fatality Man calls it an infirmity, God calls it iniquity Man calls it luxury, God calls it leprosy Man calls it liberty, God calls it lawlessness Man calls it a trifle, God calls it a tragedy Man calls it a mistake, God calls it madness Man calls it a weakness, God calls it willfulness

a. Arrogance (v. 3)

After returning to Joshua they reported to him, "Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000 men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.

- After the defeat of Jericho there was a feeling of invincibility, but oh how quickly we forget the hand of God.

- It was because of the obedience to the Lord that brought down the walls, yet the people immediately went back to their own agendas

- It is that same arrogance which causes us to sin…We think that we are capable of anything.

b. Disobedience

-God had clearly forbidden the people from taking the things, which belonged to the Lord.

-All the bounty was to be placed within the treasury of the Lord…Achan choice to disobey.

-We do the same thing

-Tithe

+We can bring destruction onto our lives, our families and our church

+Let me say to our leadership, if you teach, if you’re a deacon, please don’t be an Achan. Please don’t rob God of what is his, friends live in obedience.

c. Desires of the Flesh

-Achan’s flesh wanted the wealth.

-We will often sin when we give into the desires of the flesh.

-Maybe it’s wealth, prestige, lust…

II. THE COST OF SIN

. 7 If only we had been content to remain on the other side of the Jordan! 8 What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back [and run] from its enemies? 9 When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do about Your great name?"

Illustration: “The flesh is a built-in law of failure, making it impossible for the natural man to please or serve God. It is a compulsive inner force inherited from man’s fall, which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God and His righteousness. The flesh can never be reformed or improved. The only hope for escape from the law of the flesh is its total execution and replacement by a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Mark Bubeck

a. Discouragement (v.6)

6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the LORD with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads