How should we respond when we recognize sin in our lives, according to Joshua 7:21? Facing the Moment of Discovery “When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” Achan’s words expose the anatomy of sin: seeing, coveting, taking, and hiding. His confession also models what must happen once sin is uncovered. Step 1 – Acknowledge the Sin without Excuses • Achan finally states exactly what he did—no blame-shifting, no “I made a mistake,” but clear, specific admission. • Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Takeaway: Name the sin plainly before God. Vagueness keeps darkness alive; clarity brings it into the light. Step 2 – Accept Personal Responsibility • Notice the repeated “I”: “I saw… I coveted… I took.” • Psalm 51:3-4 shows David doing the same: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned…” Takeaway: Own the choices, not merely the circumstances that tempted you. Step 3 – Bring the Hidden into the Open • Achan reveals where the stolen items are buried. Hidden sin must become exposed sin if healing is to follow. • 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” • James 5:16 instructs, “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Takeaway: Drag secrecy into daylight—before God, and when needed, before trustworthy believers. Step 4 – Remove What Entangles • The silver, gold, and cloak were physically extracted from Achan’s tent. Sinful items, habits, or pathways must be removed, not merely regretted. • Acts 19:18-19 records new believers burning their magic scrolls—costly, decisive action. Practical suggestions: – Delete the hidden folder, cancel the subscription, end the ungodly relationship. – Replace objects of temptation with tools for growth (Bible, worship music, accountability). Step 5 – Embrace God’s Provision for Cleansing • Israel dealt severely with the sin to restore covenant fellowship. Today the ultimate judgment for our sin fell on Christ (Isaiah 53:5). • 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.” Takeaway: Repentance is met by divine faithfulness; forgiveness is certain because of the cross. Step 6 – Move Forward in Obedience • After dealing with Achan’s sin, Israel advanced and took Ai (Joshua 8). Repentance cleared the path for progress. • Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with endurance the race set before us.” Takeaway: Confession is not the finish line; it is the starting line for renewed obedience and victory. Putting It All Together When the Spirit exposes sin: 1. Admit it openly. 2. Own it personally. 3. Expose it fully. 4. Remove it decisively. 5. Trust Christ for cleansing. 6. Walk forward in obedience. Following these biblical steps transforms the shame of hidden sin into the joy of restored fellowship and renewed purpose. |
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