In this sermon, the speaker recounts the biblical account of Achan from the Book of Joshua, illustrating how his secret disobedience—keeping devoted items after the fall of Jericho—led to Israel’s unexpected defeat at the next city. The Lord reveals the hidden sin to Joshua, who, guided by the Holy Spirit, narrows down the culprit through tribe, clan, family, and finally the individual. Achan confesses, and he and his family are executed, after which Israel regains divine favor and resumes victorious conquest. The preacher then draws a contemporary parallel, warning that hidden sins—whether financial, moral, or relational—damage one’s home, business, church, and marriage. Secret sin breeds anger, paranoia, impatience, coldness, and disconnection, ultimately destroying the sinner and those around them. The message urges immediate confession and repentance to prevent such ruin.
Chapters
Before conquering the city of Jericho, the Israelites were given simple instructions through Joshua from the Lord. Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Unfortunately, not everyone in the camp obeyed that command. A man named Achan kept several valuables to himself instead of doing with them as he was commanded. Israel spied upon the next city that they were to conquer. According to their intel, the battle was to be relatively easy. Having just experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel was emboldened and full of faith to conquer. However, they were met with a demoralizing defeat. Approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. Perplexed and distraught, Joshua cried out to the Lord for clarity. It was then that the Lord revealed to Joshua that someone had broken his command. This is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat, the Lord explained. The next morning, the perpetrator was revealed to Joshua. Through a process of elimination by the Holy Spirit, Under the Spirit's direction, Joshua singled out the tribe, then the clan, then the family, then the man. Then Joshua said to Achan, my son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don't hide it from me. Achan confessed to having taken several valuable items for himself. He hid them thinking no one would know, believing there would be no consequences. But the items were uncovered, and Achan was executed along with his family. Israel once again began to win victories after Achan was punished. The offender was revealed, and favor was restored. Even if your secret sin stays hidden from other people, it's affecting those around you. It's affecting your home, your business, your church, your marriage. Even if your loved ones never find out what you're doing, they can see who you're becoming, and they can feel— The presence of God. The way you're treating them. Secret sin makes you angry, paranoid, impatient, cold-hearted, and disconnected. Get it right before it destroys you and those around you.
