How should we address sin in our lives, inspired by Joshua 7:23? Context of Joshua 7:23 “So they took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD.” (Joshua 7:23) Achan had secretly taken banned spoil from Jericho. Israel suffered defeat at Ai until the hidden sin was exposed, confessed, and removed. The items were laid out openly “before the LORD,” teaching us how to deal with sin in our own lives. What Sin Does Among God’s People • Hinders fellowship with God and others (Isaiah 59:2). • Invites defeat and loss of spiritual power (Joshua 7:11–12). • Brings dishonor to God’s name (Romans 2:24). • Spreads; hidden sin never stays private for long (1 Corinthians 5:6). Recognize and Reveal Hidden Sin • Invite the Lord’s searching gaze: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23–24) • Examine attitudes, actions, words, and even possessions that oppose God’s commands. • Allow trusted believers to speak truth in love; Achan was exposed in community. • Bring everything into the light—nothing tucked away “in the tent.” Confess and Repent Thoroughly • Agree with God about the specific sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Name it, do not excuse it. “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) • Turn from it decisively; repentance is more than apology—it is course correction. • Receive God’s cleansing and restoration; guilt is lifted (Psalm 32:5). Remove and Replace • Eliminate objects, habits, and relationships that fuel the sin, just as the contraband was destroyed. • “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature…” (Colossians 3:5). • Replace with obedience: time in Scripture, prayerful dependence, acts of service, wholesome influences. • “Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God.” (Romans 6:12–13) Walk in Ongoing Vigilance and Hope • Stay alert; sin’s appeal resurfaces. Keep short accounts with God through daily confession. • Store up God’s Word (Psalm 119:11) to strengthen resistance. • Remain connected to a faithful community for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Celebrate Christ’s victory that makes holiness possible; He bore the penalty Achan faced. • Live confident that confessed sin no longer defines you—grace does. |
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