Joshua 7:10-13
The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
“Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
How do we deal with our sin?
What is real repentance?
Read Matthew 26:75 and Matthew 27:5. Describe the different responses to sin.
Read Luke 18:9-14. Describe how the two men viewed themselves before God.
It is important for us to take full responsibility for our sin. When we say, "Sorry, I made a mistake," that reveals we see our sin as just an accident. It's important to speak out, "I repent." These words mean, "I choose to turn around. I will not do that sin again." The words "I repent" need to match a resolute decision to completely walk away from the sin. Are we prepared to count the cost? Are we prepared to do anything it takes to sever our connection with that sin?
Ultimately, regret dishonors the One who sacrificed so much to free us from sin. When our motivation for repentance is false, we will repent because we fear punishment or disgrace. Selfishness still reigns in our lives. Hardness of heart develops, and the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit grows more and more distant.
Real repentance brings real change.
Do you find yourself going back to the same sin again and again? Perhaps, it is because you have never really repented.
Ask God to search your life and reveal any area of sin that you have yet to repent of. Take time to count the cost and practice real repentance.
MORE RESOURCES
The punishment of Achan's sin
Joshua 7:14-26
Have you ever thought, "Wow, this is a severe punishment! Why did that happen? What does this say about God?" Click below for a resource on this topic.