Sermon: What’s Hidden in the Camp?

Walnut Grove

Sermon Date: 8/31/2025

Bible Verses:

• Joshua 7

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Main Passage: Joshua 7
Theme: Hidden sin brings defeat, but confession and repentance restore fellowship and victory.

Introduction

Last week, we saw the walls of Jericho fall in Joshua 6—not because of Israel’s might, but because of their faithful obedience. God gave them a great victory.

But today, in Joshua 7, the tone shifts.

Israel suffers a stunning defeat at Ai, a much smaller and weaker city. They had every reason to win—yet they are driven back and demoralized. Joshua falls on his face, crying out to God.

What happened?

One man sinned—and the whole camp suffered.
This chapter reveals the seriousness of sin, the necessity of holiness, and the hope of restoration when we return to God in repentance.

1. Victory Can Be Lost Through Disobedience

(Joshua 7:1, 2–5)

“But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things…” (v.1)

After the victory at Jericho, God had given clear instructions: all the spoil was devoted to Him (Joshua 6:18-19). But Achan disobeyed. He took what God said was off-limits—and no one knew, except God.

The result?
Israel, full of confidence, marches to Ai—and gets routed.
Thirty-six men die. The people are devastated. The blessing of God is withdrawn.

Key Point:
Private sin can have public consequences.
Even hidden disobedience can break fellowship with God and hinder the entire community.

Cross-Reference:
Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

2. God Cares About Holiness More Than Hype

(Joshua 7:6–12)

Joshua cries out, confused and distraught.
But God’s response is startling:

“Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned...” (v.10-11)

Joshua expected victory because he assumed God was with them. But God reveals the truth: there is sin in the camp. One man’s secret act had defiled the whole community.

Key Point:
God will not bless a people who tolerate sin in their midst.
God desires purity, not performance.

Cross-Reference:
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, for I am holy.”

3. Hidden Sin Will Be Brought to Light

(Joshua 7:13–18)

God tells Joshua to sanctify the people and bring them tribe by tribe.
The process is slow and deliberate—God gives Achan plenty of time to come forward voluntarily. But Achan remains silent.

Eventually, the lot falls on him.

Key Point:
We can hide sin from others. We can even hide it from ourselves.
But we can’t hide it from God.

Cross-Reference:
Numbers 32:23 – “Be sure your sin will find you out.”

4. Sin’s Consequences Are Serious

(Joshua 7:19–26)

Achan confesses—but only after he’s caught. He admits to coveting and stealing and hiding the goods in his tent.

And though he confesses, the consequences are grave. Achan and all that belonged to him were destroyed. The valley was named Achor, meaning “trouble.”

This is hard. But we must remember:

• Achan’s sin cost lives.
• It threatened the entire mission.
• It was willful rebellion against a holy God.

Key Point:
Sin is never a private matter. It always affects others.
And its wages are death—unless it’s brought to the cross.

Cross-Reference:
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

5. There Is Hope in the Valley of Trouble

(Hosea 2:14–15)

God later promises in Hosea:

“I will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”

Though judgment fell on Achan, God would one day turn that place of trouble into hope.

That’s the promise of the Gospel:
Our sin is real. Its consequences are real. But Christ has borne them all.

Jesus died to cleanse our hearts, restore our fellowship with God, and return us to victory.

Application Questions

• Is there hidden sin in your life that you’ve excused or ignored?
• Have you allowed compromise to slip into your home, your leadership, your church?
• Do you need to bring something into the light today?

Remember:
The way back is always open—but it begins with honesty and repentance.

Conclusion

Joshua 7 is a warning, but also an invitation:

• God sees.
• God judges.
• But God also forgives.

Let’s not wait until the defeat comes.
Let’s deal with our sin today—at the foot of the cross—where mercy is already waiting.