What steps can we take to prevent hidden sin in our community today? Achan’s Story: Hidden Sin Uncovered “Then Joshua said, ‘Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today.’ Then all Israel stoned Achan, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.” (Joshua 7:25) Hidden sin cost Achan his life and jeopardized the whole nation’s standing before God. The account reminds us that secret disobedience never stays private for long and always affects more than just the offender. Why Hidden Sin Matters Today • Sin spreads—“Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6). • God still exposes—“For nothing is concealed that will not be disclosed” (Luke 8:17). • Communities suffer—Israel’s defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:5) shows how everyone feels the fallout. Practical Steps to Prevent Hidden Sin 1. Foster continual self-examination • Pray with David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts—daily confession keeps sin from settling in (1 John 1:9). 2. Teach holiness plainly and often • Regularly rehearse the clear commands of Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Remind one another that obedience is love expressed (John 14:15). 3. Build transparent relationships • Meet in small groups where people know and are known (Acts 2:46-47). • Share struggles before they turn into secrets—“Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). 4. Establish loving accountability • Pair mature believers with newer ones (Titus 2:3-8). • Invite questions like “How’s your walk this week?” so no area stays off-limits. 5. Confront sin quickly and biblically • Approach privately first (Matthew 18:15). • If necessary, widen the circle, always aiming for restoration (Galatians 6:1). • Remove unrepentant sin from leadership and fellowship to guard the flock (1 Corinthians 5:7). 6. Model humility from the top • Leaders repent publicly when they fail—no special allowances (1 Timothy 5:20). • A repentant culture starts where decisions are made. Cultivating a Culture of Light • Saturate gatherings with Scripture so truth exposes darkness (Psalm 119:105). • Celebrate testimonies of repentance, not just victory stories. • Pray corporately for purity—“Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13). Living in Continual Repentance Hidden sin thrives where repentance is rare. Keep hearts tender: • Daily—acknowledge sin, receive cleansing. • Weekly—gather for worship, renew covenant commitments. • Seasonally—fast and examine motives (Joel 2:12-13). Achan’s tragedy urges every believer and every church to walk in the light. When confession is normal and holiness cherished, hidden sin has nowhere to hide. |
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