Greetings to all joining us today. We are Guardians of Biblical Truth, and we’re delving into a crucial topic in understanding Bible prophecy—”How Sin Enters”. In a world where preaching on holiness seems to be fading, it’s vital to recognize that the core of Bible prophecy is, in essence, holiness. As Matthew 24:44 says, we must be ready for the Son of Man’s return at any moment. Let’s explore this through the story in Joshua 7, where we learn about the entry of sin and its consequences.

The Story of Achan – Joshua 7

In Joshua 7, we find a compelling story of sin, confession, and consequence. It begins with the Israelites’ defeat at Ai due to Achan’s sin. He took forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, causing Israel to fall short in God’s eyes. This narrative unfolds in four stages, which are reflective of how sin typically infiltrates our lives.

The Four Stages of Sin’s Entry

• The Peek at Sin (Joshua 7:21): Achan first saw the spoils. This initial stage is about exposure. Our modern world bombards us with visual stimuli, some of which can be sinful or lead to temptation. However, seeing something doesn’t constitute sin. It’s what we do with what we see that matters. The ‘peek’ at sin is where it all begins.
• The Covetousness (Joshua 7:21): Achan coveted the items. Coveting is a deep desire for something that doesn’t belong to us. It goes beyond mere attraction or acknowledgment; it’s an intense longing that often leads to sinful actions. This stage is critical because it represents a meditated desire that conflicts with God’s commandments (Exodus 20:17).
• The Act of Sinning: Achan took the items. The act of taking something that wasn’t his represents the actualization of sin. It’s when thought and desire manifest into action. This stage is often where sin becomes evident to others as well.
• Hiding the Sin: Finally, Achan hid the items, representing the concealment of sin. Often, after committing a sin, there’s an attempt to cover it up. This hiding can be as damaging as the sin itself, as it leads to a cycle of deceit and further distancing from God.

The Consequences of Sin

Achan’s story ends tragically with his death and that of his family. This harsh outcome underlines the severity of sin in God’s eyes. Sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God. It affects not only the sinner but can have far-reaching consequences on the community and loved ones.

Application to Modern Life

In today’s digital age, guarding our ‘eye gate’ is more critical than ever. What we watch, read, and consume visually can have a profound impact on our spiritual health. We need to be vigilant about what we allow into our minds and hearts through our eyes.

Moreover, understanding the process of how sin enters our lives can help us guard against it. Recognizing temptation, combating covetousness, refraining from sinful actions, and not concealing our wrongdoings are steps towards maintaining spiritual integrity.

Conclusion – How Sin Enters

The story of Achan serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living a holy life. As we aim to be ready for the Lord’s return, let’s strive to keep our hearts and minds pure, staying vigilant against the subtleties of sin’s entry. In our next session, we will continue to explore this topic and delve deeper into the practical aspects of avoiding sin in our daily lives.

Let’s end with a prayer, seeking forgiveness for our sins and asking for strength to resist temptations. May God guide us in our journey towards holiness and readiness for His coming.

In His Service,

Guardians of Biblical Truth

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