L E S S O N 8 :
God Judges Achan's Sin - Joshua 7:1-26

C E N T R A L T R U T H :
God takes sin seriously.

B I B L E P A S S A G E :
“But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan…took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel” (Josh 7:1).

B I B L E T R U T H S :

1. God’s wrath burns against sinners.
2. Loss of God’s gracious presence is deadly.
3. Sin must be dealt with in order for God’s grace to be present.
4. The consequences of sin are severe.
5. God’s wrath cannot be avoided by trying to hide sin.

F O L L O W - U P Q U E S T I O N S
3 -5 Y E A R S

1. What happened when Israel attacked Ai?
Israel was defeated, and 36 Israelites were killed.

2. Why was Israel defeated?
Because Israel had sinned.

3. Who had sinned?
Achan sinned by stealing things from Jericho.

4. What did God tell Israel to do to Achan and his family?
He told them to put them to death.

6 - 1 2 Y E A R S

1. How did God respond to Achan’s sin?
His wrath burned against all Israel.

2. When did Joshua realize that something was wrong?
He realized that something was wrong when Israel was defeated at Ai.

3. Why was Israel so afraid even though only 36 soldiers were killed?
They realized that God was no longer with them to fight for them.

4. What did Joshua do when he realized God was no longer with Israel?
He prayed. He prayed to God as the one who sovereignly rules over all. He prayed for the sake of God’s glory.

5. According to this story, can sin be hidden from God?
No. God knew about the sin and showed Joshua who had committed the sin.

6. According to this story, is it okay to let sin keep going?
No. Sin is so deadly to our relationship with God that we must get rid of it at all costs. As Israel killed Achan and all his family, so we cannot allow sin to stay in our hearts.

7. Did God continue to have wrath against Israel?
No. After the sin was dealt with, God turned from His wrath against Israel.

8. Does God’s wrath towards us last forever?
It does if we are not a Christian. But if we have trusted Jesus for salvation, then God’s
wrath towards us does not last. His wrath is like the discipline of a father who still loves his children no matter what.