Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary This sermon explores Joshua 7, which appears to be about military failure but is actually about God’s wrath toward His people. After Israel’s great victory at Jericho, they suffered a shocking defeat at Ai because of Achan’s sin in taking devoted things. The passage reveals that one person’s sin affected the entire community, leading to God’s withdrawal of His presence and blessing. Joshua’s honest prayer demonstrates proper response to divine discipline, while God’s ultimatum shows the seriousness of sin among His people. However, God’s wrath contains mercy—He provides a path to restoration through confession and repentance. The valley of trouble can become a door of hope when we deal honestly with sin.
Key Points
- God’s wrath toward His people comes from His love, not vindictiveness
- Individual sin affects the entire body of believers
- Prayerlessness and self-reliance lead to spiritual defeat
- God’s discipline is corrective, not destructive
- The worst consequence is not death but God withdrawing His presence
- God’s wrath always includes mercy and a path to restoration
- Honest confession and repentance transform valleys of trouble into doors of hope
Small Group Questions
- The sermon contrasts Israel’s victory at Jericho with their defeat at Ai. Share about a time when you experienced a spiritual “high” followed by an unexpected setback. How did that affect your faith?
- The passage reveals that no one consulted God before attacking Ai. When have you moved forward with plans without seeking God’s guidance first? What was the result?
- Joshua’s prayer in verses 7-9 is brutally honest about his confusion and frustration. How comfortable are you with bringing your raw emotions to God in prayer? What holds you back from that kind of honesty?
- The sermon mentions that “the worst thing that could happen is for God to withdraw His presence” (verse 12). How would you recognize God’s presence or absence in your life? What are the warning signs?
- Achan’s sin violated the “law of first fruits”, giving God the first portion of what He provides. In what areas of your life do you struggle to put God first? How does this principle apply beyond just money?
- The Valley of Achor (trouble) becomes a “door of hope” in Hosea 2:15. Share about a time when God used discipline or difficulty in your life to bring about restoration and growth.
Key Verses: Joshua 7:1-26, Hosea 2:15, 1 Corinthians 5:5, Revelation 2:5
Application On The Way This week, examine your life for any “devoted things” you may be holding onto—areas where you’re not putting God first or sins you’ve been minimizing. Practice Joshua’s honesty in prayer by bringing one area of confusion or frustration directly to God. If the Holy Spirit convicts you of specific sin, follow the biblical pattern: confess specifically (acknowledge exactly what you’re doing) and repent earnestly (ask God to empower you to turn away from it).
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Scripture Passages: 1 Samuel 15:22-23, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Acts 5:1-11, Hebrews 12:5-11, James 5:16, 1 John 1:8-10, Revelation 2:1-7, Proverbs 27:5-6
Personal Reflection Questions:
- Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23, where Samuel tells Saul that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” How does Achan’s violation of God’s command about devoted things connect to this principle? In what ways might you be offering “sacrifices” (religious activities) while ignoring areas of disobedience?
- Study Hebrews 12:5-11 alongside Joshua 7. How does understanding God’s discipline as fatherly love rather than vindictive punishment change your perspective on difficult seasons in your life? What “peaceful fruit of righteousness” has God produced in you through past discipline?