I. Achan and the Danger of Hidden Sin Reading Text: Psalm 32
II. Story
III. God’s people, after rej
IV. oicing at the mighty power of God in defeating the mighty walled fortress of Jericho, now were confused and frightened.
A. Following the command of God, they attacked the city of Ai and were driven back; 36 men, husbands, fathers, and sons, lay dead and the mighty leader Joshua tore his garments in sorrow and cried out to God for an answer.
B. The people were discouraged and the conquest of the Promised Land came to a swift halt. What happened?
V. God’s command for Jericho (Joshua 6:18-19)
- It was the first city to be conquered in the Promised Land.
- It was the “firstfruits” of the land and it belonged to the Lord; an offering
A. Achan, of the tribe of Judah, took some spoil from the city
VI. He hid it in his tent so none could find it.
VII. He coveted what belonged to God and took it.
- Read Joshua 7:10-15 – God’s rebuke and disclosure of the guilty
- Joshua 7:19-21 – Achan’s sin is exposed and he confesses his sin
VIII. Joshua 7:22-26 – Punishment on Achan and his family
IX. Result: God gave Israel victory at Ai
X. This story illustrates the danger of hidden sin
XI. Progression of hidden sin
XII. Sin begins in the heart
- Achan looked on the spoil that belonged to God and wanted it
- James 1:14-15: ” But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
- He thought he could get away with sin; no consequences
- Hidden sin germinates and can take root in the depths of our heart where we alone can see it
XIII. Sin seeks an opportunity
- A person who has allowed sin to take root in his heart looks for an opportunity to gratify the unlawful desire.
- The fornicator looks for an opportunity to gratify fleshly lusts
- The alcoholic hides liquor in his house, car, and work
- The covetous looks for an opportunity to cheat or steal
- When we dwell on sinful thoughts, it creates a hunger that craves satisfaction but we know that we cannot commit the sin publicly and keep our reputation as a Christian.
XIV. The idea of hidden sin is an illusion
XV. You know your sin
- Hebrews 4:12-13 – His word convicts us of evil thoughts/intentions
- 1 John 3:20 – Your heart will approve or condemn your actions; ” for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
- Hidden sin steals the peace that should dwell in a person’s heart and replaces it with guilt, shame, and discontent
- Hidden sin saps the energy and passion from spiritual life
XVI. God knows your sin
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 – all will be revealed in judgment; ” Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”
- Matthew 12:36 – every idle word is known by God; ” I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak”
XVII. God knows the heart and mind of man completely
XVIII. Others will likely find out
XIX. Luke 12:1-3 – Covered sin will become manifest
- Some tire of preserving the illusion and confess their faults
XX. Some are exposed when evidence is discovered
- The fornicator is caught in the act or tell-tale signs (lipstick on the collar, phone bills, friend’s comments)
- The alcoholic’s bottles are discovered or accident reveals habit
- The auditor discovers the covetous person’s deception
- Most people whose hidden sin is revealed say that the trespass was not worth all of the energy, time, effort, and lies needed to hide sin
- Numbers 32:23 – “Your sin will find you out” (here or in the hereafter)
XXI. Others often suffer for a person’s hidden sin
XXII. Achan’s sin
XXIII. His family suffered for his action.
- 36 men were killed at Ai; fathers, husbands, and sons killed
XXIV. The spirit of Israel was crushed
A. Some families lose peace, happiness, and contentment when one member’s sin creates turmoil and dissatisfaction
- The sinner will alienate their spouse and children because of shame or fear of being found out.
- Some families are financially damaged or ruined when one person’s sin drains financial resources and leads to lost jobs and low wage jobs
B. Churches have been destroyed because of adultery and other exposed sins among members
- In adultery, betrayed spouses may leave the faith and children may want nothing to do with God
- Some covetous preachers and church leaders have led financial scams that defrauded church members and others in the community and damaged the reputation of the church.
- Weak and young members may leave the faith or never obey when those who were supposed to be spiritual pillars are involved in adultery, financial scams, child abuse, and other behaviors.
C. The alcoholic or substance abuser may kill someone in an accident or rage
D. The person may, instead of repenting and seeking help, kill themselves and leave loved ones to suffer with anguish, anger, and confusion.
E. Our sins affect others, directly or indirectly, whether they are exposed before all or hidden for a time
XXV. How do we remove hidden sin?
XXVI. Confess our sins
- Psalm 32:3-5 – turmoil when sin was secret; peace when confessed
- Proverbs 28:13 – ” Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
A. Renounce our sin (give it up, refuse to allow it to take hold)
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 –” But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
XXVII. Start today
- Sin will become more entrenched by putting of repentance for another day
- If we are really committed to God, we will be committed to repentance.
- Sir Thomas Fuller (17 th c) “You cannot repent too soon because you do not know how soon it may be too late.”