The Outrage of Sin and Its Impact on Community

Summary

Those who break covenant with God are dedicated to destruction, and their sin has a devastating impact on their whole community

Application

Review

1. Why did the Israelites lose the battle at Ai (end of verse 1 and verse 26)?
2. Why did God’s anger burn against His people (verse 1)?
3. How did the God’s people break faith (see 6:18 and 7:20)?
4. What are the 3 steps in Achan’s heart that led him to “break faith” (verse 21)?
5. What does it mean to “break faith” (verse 15)?
6. What is God’s perspective of breaking faith (verse 15)?
7. What is the first main thing we learn from Joshua 7?
8. What is the second main thing we learn from Joshua 7?
9. What connections do you see between Joshua 7 and 1 Corinthians 5?

Apply

1. Do I see my sin as being as outrageous as God does?
2. Do I have any hidden sin that I keep “under my tent”?
3. Is there anyway your sins (omission or commission) are impacting Christ Church?
4. How does it affect you to hear God say, “I will be with you no more” to His people?
5. Is there anyway that you are quenching the Spirit?
6. Is there anything you need to confess to Jesus before you get caught?
7. What would prevent you from confessing your sin from #14 to someone else?
8. Spend some time meditating on how Jesus was devoted to destruction in your place.

Community Confession

(This confession is also available in the Downloads section.)

Almighty God, it is an outrageous thing when I get angry, lust, complain, covet, steal, lie, and take what is not mine.

It is outrageous when I am selfish, self-righteous, greedy, lazy, stiff-necked, and hard hearted.

Almighty God, it is an outrageous thing when I don't love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength
It is outrageous when I don't love my neighbor as myself.

It is outrageous when I don't encourage others or consider how to stir them up to love and good works.

It is an outrageous thing when I don't make disciples but spend my time indulging in the pleasures of this world.

It is an outrageous thing when I hoard my wealth while neglecting the poor and needy.

It is an outrageous thing when I do the very things you tell me not to do and neglect to do the things you ask me to.

Holy Spirit, it is an outrageous thing to quench you.

It is an outrageous thing when I don't seek to be filled with the Spirit, but instead walk in the flesh.

It is an outrageous thing when I don't eagerly desire to prophecy, but instead I eagerly desire my comfort.

Lord Jesus, it is an outrageous thing when I walk in the unfruitful works of darkness.

It is an outrageous thing when I proclaim the excellencies of so many things but fail to proclaim the excellencies of you.

It is an outrageous thing that I seek satisfaction, pleasure, and joy in the things of this earth while spending little time seeking you.

Heavenly Father, I confess that my sin has impacted Your church, those sitting here with me today.

I confess that I should be devoted to destruction, eternally damned and separated from you for all eternity.

I confess that my life has provoked you to burn with anger and I am deserving of your wrath.

With a broken hopeless heart I turn to You, my God.

Come rescue me from my sin and myself.

Save me alive.

I plead the sacrifice of Jesus, who was devoted to destruction on my behalf, as my only hope to be forgiven and set free from these things that outrage you and stir your burning anger.

Jesus, open my eyes to see your infinite glory, love, and beauty.

Spirit, soften my heart to your presence.

Change me and show me the way of repentance for your glory and your glory alone.

Amen.