The Curse Of Disobedience: The Sin Of Achan Series

THE CURSE OF DISOBEDIENCE: THE SIN OF ACHAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 7:1-12

Key Verse: “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.” (Joshua 7:11, KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Deuteronomy 28:15; Proverbs 14:12; James 1:14-15; Galatians 6:7-8

INTRODUCTION:

Every victory in the life of a believer depends on complete obedience to God’s word. The story of Achan serves as a solemn warning that disobedience, even by one person, can bring defeat to an entire community. After the great victory at Jericho, Israel expected another easy triumph at Ai, but they were shockingly defeated. The cause was a hidden sin; the sin of disobedience committed by Achan.

Disobedience is a spiritual cancer that spreads silently but destroys openly. It begins with a small act of compromise but ends in shame and loss. Achan’s greed made him take what God had forbidden, thinking it would go unnoticed. But nothing is hidden from God, and the entire nation suffered because of one man’s sin.

This passage teaches that sin and victory cannot coexist. When God’s command is broken, His presence withdraws. Every believer must learn to value obedience above personal desire and to fear the consequences of rebellion against divine instruction.

1. DISOBEDIENCE BREAKS OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Disobedience separates us from the presence of God and makes us vulnerable to defeat.

a) Sin creates distance between man and God (Isaiah 59:1-2)

When Achan disobeyed, God’s presence departed from Israel, leaving them powerless before their enemies.

b) Disobedience invites God’s anger (Deuteronomy 28:15)

Every act of rebellion carries consequences. God cannot bless where sin is tolerated.

c) The Holy Spirit withdraws from the disobedient (Ephesians 4:30)

When we grieve the Spirit through sin, we lose His power and direction.

d) Fellowship is restored only through repentance (1 John 1:9)

God’s mercy is available to those who confess and forsake their sins sincerely.

Biblical Example: Adam and Eve lost their fellowship with God when they disobeyed His command in Eden (Genesis 3:6-24).

2. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS DEFEAT AND SHAME

When we step outside God’s command, our strength fades, and our efforts end in failure.

a) God’s presence guarantees victory (Exodus 33:14-15)

Without His presence, even the strongest army is defeated. Israel fell before Ai because God was no longer with them.

b) Disobedience turns triumph into tragedy (Joshua 7:4-5)

Israel’s defeat at Ai was a direct result of one man’s hidden sin. Victory cannot be sustained when disobedience is present.

c) Sin weakens the entire body (1 Corinthians 12:26)

The sin of one affects the many. Achan’s disobedience brought death and fear to all Israel.

d) Shame follows rebellion (Proverbs 13:18)

Those who disregard divine instruction end up in disgrace.

Biblical Example: Samson lost his strength and glory when he disobeyed God’s instruction regarding his consecration (Judges 16:19-21).

3. DISOBEDIENCE SPRINGS FROM GREED AND SELFISHNESS

At the root of Achan’s sin was greed; the desire to possess what God had forbidden.

a) Greed blinds spiritual discernment (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Achan’s lust for silver and gold made him ignore the clear command of God.

b) Covetousness leads to compromise (Exodus 20:17)

The desire for what belongs to others often pushes people into disobedience.

c) Self-centredness ignores divine instruction (Philippians 2:3-4)

Achan thought only of himself, not realising his sin would affect the entire nation.

d) True contentment protects against sin (Hebrews 13:5)

When we are content with what God gives us, we will not fall into temptation.

Biblical Example: Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was struck with leprosy because of greed and disobedience (2 Kings 5:20-27).

4. DISOBEDIENCE INVITES GOD’S JUDGEMENT AND DESTRUCTION

Sin must always be judged because God is righteous. Disobedience invites divine punishment unless there is repentance.

a) God’s judgement is inevitable (Numbers 32:23)

No sin remains hidden forever. Achan was discovered and punished publicly.

b) Sin brings death and loss (Romans 6:23)

Achan’s entire family perished because of his rebellion against God’s word.

c) God exposes secret sins (Luke 12:2-3)

Hidden disobedience will eventually come to light. God reveals what men try to conceal.

d) Repentance is the only escape from judgement (Isaiah 55:7)

Those who turn from sin find mercy, but those who continue in rebellion face destruction.

Biblical Example: King Saul lost his throne because he disobeyed God’s instruction to destroy the Amalekites completely (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

CONCLUSION:

Disobedience is a silent destroyer. It may appear harmless, but it leads to defeat, shame, and death. Achan’s story reminds us that no sin is hidden from God. What is concealed on earth is open before heaven.

As believers, we must live in complete obedience to God’s word. Victory, peace, and divine presence are guaranteed only when we honour God’s instructions. Let us examine our lives today, confess our hidden sins, and walk again in the path of obedience.