DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ACHAN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 7:1-26
Key Verse: “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them… therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies.” — Joshua 7:11-12
Supporting Texts: Numbers 32:23; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 66:18; James 1:14-15
INTRODUCTION:
Sin is a destructive force that separates man from God. It is not always the strength of the enemy that brings defeat but the presence of sin among God’s people. In the story of Achan, Israel’s army, fresh from their glorious victory over Jericho, suffered an unexpected defeat at Ai. The defeat was not because of weak strategy or poor leadership, it was because sin had entered the camp.
God had given a clear command that no one should take from the accursed thing in Jericho. But Achan, driven by greed, disobeyed God’s command and secretly took some of the devoted items. This single act of disobedience contaminated the entire nation and brought disgrace and death. Sin may seem personal, but its consequences often affect others.
To regain divine favour and victory, the sin had to be exposed, confessed, and removed. Likewise, in our lives, hidden sins must be dealt with for us to walk in power, purity, and victory. No one can hide sin and still enjoy the presence and blessing of God.
1. SIN BREAKS FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
Disobedience cuts off our connection with God and interrupts His presence and power in our lives.
a) Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2):
Sin creates a barrier between us and God. His ears become closed to our prayers, and His presence withdraws until repentance occurs.
b) Sin invites defeat and frustration (Joshua 7:12):
The Israelites could not stand before their enemies because God was no longer with them. Sin weakens divine backing.
c) Sin turns blessings into curses (Deuteronomy 28:15):
What should have brought increase can bring trouble when done outside God’s will. Sin corrupts the flow of God’s blessings.
d) Sin hinders effective prayers (Psalm 66:18):
When we hold on to hidden sin, our prayers lose power. The key to answered prayer is a clean heart before God.
Biblical Example: Adam and Eve lost fellowship with God after disobeying Him in the Garden of Eden and were driven out of His presence (Genesis 3:1-24).
2. HIDDEN SIN AFFECTS THE ENTIRE CAMP
Sin is never a private matter; its effect spreads beyond the individual to families, communities, and nations.
a) The sin of one can defile many (Joshua 7:11):
God saw Achan’s sin as Israel’s sin. The whole nation suffered for what one man concealed. Hidden sin has communal consequences.
b) Hidden sin delays collective victory (Joshua 7:4-5):
Israel lost the battle at Ai because there was contamination in the camp. God cannot bless a people who tolerate sin.
c) Hidden sin provokes divine anger (Joshua 7:1):
The Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel because of one man’s act of disobedience. God’s holiness demands purity in His people.
d) Hidden sin destroys trust and unity (Amos 3:3):
Sin breaks the harmony between God and His people, as well as among brethren. It causes defeat and division.
Biblical Example: Jonah’s disobedience brought a storm upon the entire ship and endangered the lives of innocent sailors (Jonah 1:1-15).
3. GOD EXPOSES AND JUDGES HIDDEN SIN
Nothing is hidden from God’s sight; all things are open before Him.
a) God sees what is done in secret (Hebrews 4:13):
No sin escapes God’s eyes. His judgment is perfect because He knows the motives and actions of every heart.
b) Sin will always be uncovered (Numbers 32:23):
Achan thought he could hide his sin under his tent, but God exposed it publicly. Hidden sin may hide temporarily, but it cannot hide permanently.
c) God’s judgment is sure and fair (Joshua 7:24-25):
Achan and his family suffered the consequence of their sin. Divine justice ensures that sin is dealt with completely.
d) Confession and repentance prevent judgment (1 John 1:9):
God’s mercy is available when sin is confessed sincerely. Repentance restores fellowship and removes condemnation.
Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead in the early church for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-10).
4. REPENTANCE RESTORES DIVINE FAVOUR AND VICTORY
When sin is confessed and forsaken, God’s presence and blessing are restored.
a) Repentance brings restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14):
When God’s people humble themselves, pray, and turn from sin, He forgives and heals their land.
b) True repentance requires confession and separation (Proverbs 28:13):
Covering sin keeps one in bondage; confessing and forsaking it leads to mercy and deliverance.
c) God’s favour returns when sin is removed (Joshua 8:1):
After the sin of Achan was dealt with, God once again assured Joshua of victory.
d) Cleansing from sin empowers for future triumph (Psalm 51:10-12):
David prayed for a clean heart and a right spirit. Restoration of purity brings renewed strength and joy.
Biblical Example: The repentance of Nineveh turned away God’s judgment and brought mercy upon the city (Jonah 3:5-10).
CONCLUSION:
Sin, especially when hidden, is a silent destroyer. It weakens faith, invites defeat, and drives away God’s presence. But when sin is confessed and forsaken, mercy flows, power is restored, and victory returns. Achan’s story reminds us that sin cannot be hidden forever; it must be confronted and removed.
Beloved, deal with every hidden sin today. Allow God’s light to search your heart and purify your life. When you walk in obedience and holiness, the presence of God will go with you, and every battle will end in victory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, search my heart and expose every hidden sin within me.
2. Father, give me the grace to confess and forsake every act of disobedience.
3. Lord, forgive me for any sin that has brought defeat or delay in my life.
4. Father, purify my heart and cleanse me from every secret fault.
5. Lord, remove every accursed thing from my life, family, and ministry.
6. Father, restore Your presence and favour wherever I have lost it through sin.
7. Lord, let the blood of Jesus wash away every stain of unrighteousness.
8. Father, deliver me and my household from the consequences of hidden sin.
9. Lord, empower me to live in holiness, purity, and obedience always.
10. Father, let my life continually attract Your presence, victory, and blessings.
