The Agony of Defeat

Joshua 7

THE DEFEAT (Verses 1-5)

This story illustrates how if you quit doing things God’s

way, in an instant the thrill of victory can quickly be

replaced by the agony of defeat.

There is no mention of the Word of the Lord or seeking for His Word in this passage

as in the others.

THE CAUSE OF DEFEAT(Verses 6-12)

This defeat came about because there was

unconfessed, willful sin in Israel that caused God to

withdraw His blessings from them.

Everything living was to be completely destroyed.

All the valuable objects like gold and silver were to be

dedicated to the Lord’s treasury.

All of them knew these two things so this was not a sin done without knowing it.

God does not bless or protect His people who are in willful

disobedience.Verses 12-13

If a disciple of Jesus keeps saying no to God’s control in their lives then eventually He

will let them go it on their own!

“Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?” (1 Cor. 5:6).

THE RESPONSES

THE WRONG ONE

THE RIGHT ONE

Get up and sanctify yourselves. Remove the sin.

“Why didn’t God just call Achan out?”

God desires repentance not punishment,

but make no mistake about it-

if His children continue in willful sin, then they leave Him no choice but to expose their

sin.

Why?

Because God is more concerned about His holiness

than our reputation.

OUR WAY OUT

When the sin is dealt with, then God will bless again.

J. Oswald Sanders has some great insight on this.

I want you to think with me for a moment about what happens next to the

People of God.