What steps can we take to avoid hidden sin like in Joshua 7:15? Learning from Achan’s Tragic Secret Joshua 7:15: “The one who is caught with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that belongs to him, because he has violated the covenant of the LORD and committed a disgraceful thing in Israel.” Why Hidden Sin Is So Serious • It breaks covenant with God (Joshua 7:11) • It blocks blessing for the whole community (Joshua 7:12) • It always comes to light—nothing is truly hidden (Luke 12:2-3) Practical Steps to Guard Against Hidden Sin • Regular heart examination – Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Set aside quiet time daily for honest, Spirit-led self-assessment. • Immediate confession and cleansing – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – Keep short accounts with God; do not let sin linger overnight (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Transparent accountability – James 5:16: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” – Choose a mature, trusted believer for regular check-ins; secrecy loses its power when brought into the light. • Radical removal of stumbling blocks – Matthew 5:29-30: better to lose a member than be thrown into hell. – Identify and eliminate apps, sites, relationships, or habits that tempt you to hide sin. • Consistent Scripture intake – Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” – Memorize verses targeting your weak areas; let truth displace deceit. • Active obedience in the small things – Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” – Practice immediate obedience when the Spirit convicts—even in matters that seem minor. • Community involvement in spiritual battles – Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds…encouraging one another.” – Serve, worship, and grow with other believers; isolation breeds secrecy. • Remembering the cost of sin – Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Keep the cross before you; Christ paid dearly to free you from the need to hide. Living Openly Before God and Others When the Israelites dealt decisively with Achan’s sin, God’s favor returned (Joshua 8:1). The same principle holds: expose hidden sin, embrace God’s mercy, and walk in restored fellowship. |
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