What can we learn from Achan's confession about personal accountability before God? The Setting of Achan’s Confession • Israel’s stunning defeat at Ai exposed hidden sin within the camp (Joshua 7:1–5). • God identified one man—Achan—whose theft of devoted items had broken the ban placed on Jericho’s spoils (Joshua 6:18–19). • Brought before Joshua, Achan hears: “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make confession to Him” (Joshua 7:19). Confession as an Act of Giving Glory to God • Confession is more than admitting fault; it publicly vindicates God’s holiness (Joshua 7:19). • Psalm 51:4: “Against You, You only, have I sinned… so that You may be proved right when You speak.” • 1 John 1:9 assures believers that God is “faithful and just” to forgive when we confess—His justice and faithfulness are put on display. Sin Cannot Stay Hidden • Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper.” • Achan’s buried treasure eventually surfaced. God’s omniscience guarantees exposure; confession before discovery is always wiser. Personal Accountability in Community • One man’s sin crippled an entire nation’s military campaign (Joshua 7:5). • 1 Corinthians 5:6 warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” • Personal accountability before God includes recognizing how private disobedience can wound those around us—family, church, nation. The Cost of Delay • Achan confessed only when singled out; the opportunity for mercy had already passed (Joshua 7:15, 24–26). • Delay multiplied casualties—thirty-six soldiers died at Ai (Joshua 7:5). • Swift confession protects others and often lessens discipline (compare David in 2 Samuel 24:10–17). Genuine vs. Forced Confession Signs of genuine confession: – Voluntary admission (Psalm 32:5). – Full disclosure without minimizing (Joshua 7:20–21). – Acceptance of consequences (Luke 23:41, penitent thief). Forced confession, like Achan’s, may be true yet still late; motive matters to God (Isaiah 29:13). Christ, the Ultimate Remedy • Achan died for his own sin; Christ died for ours (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Hebrews 4:13-16: nothing is hidden, yet we have a High Priest who offers mercy when we come boldly in confession. • The cross satisfies God’s justice, clearing the repentant sinner while still glorifying God’s holiness (Romans 3:26). Putting the Lesson into Practice • Keep short accounts with God—confess daily, specifically, immediately. • Invite the Lord to search the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Remember the communal ripple effect of private choices; choose integrity even when unseen. • Rejoice that in Christ, confession leads not to condemnation but restoration and renewed usefulness (Psalm 51:12-13). |
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