Hidden sin will do you in
In week 6 of “Get Up!“, our study in Joshua, we explored the dangerous influence of hidden sin in our lives and its potential to disrupt not only our personal relationship with God but also the community around us.
Pastor Jake delved into Joshua 7, drawing parallels between the hidden sin in Achan’s life and the unseen dangers that can erode the foundation of our spiritual lives. Achan’s story serves as a stark reminder that hidden sin can have devastating consequences, not just for the individual but for the entire community. His actions led to Israel’s defeat at Ai, illustrating how personal sin can hinder the collective mission of God’s people.
Achan’s story – in particular, his unwillingness to confess what he had done – challenges us to confront our hidden sins, recognizing that they can weigh heavily on us, both spiritually and physically. We are reminded that God sees all, and His desire is for us to bring our sins into the light, where they can be dealt with through confession and repentance. This is not a call to shame but an invitation to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness, to move from hiding from God to hiding in God.
As a community, we are encouraged to be a confessing community, one that is not without sin but without secrets. This openness allows us to experience the fullness of God’s grace and to move forward in the mission He has for us. The call to action is clear: to confess our sins, to seek God’s mercy, and to support one another in this journey of faith.
Application Questions
- Reflect on a time when a hidden sin in your life affected those around you. How did you address it, and what was the outcome?
- How can you cultivate a practice of confession in your life, both personally and within your community? What steps can you take to ensure you are part of a confessing community?
- Identify a specific hidden sin that you feel God is prompting you to bring into the light. What practical steps can you take this week to confess and seek forgiveness for this sin?
- How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with hidden sins? What role can you play in fostering an environment of grace and transparency?
- Reflect on the allure of sin in your life. What are some ways you can remind yourself of the hope and freedom found in God when faced with temptation?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from February 23
- “The Lion and the Lamb”
- “King of Kings”
- “Make Room”
- “Run to the Father” (after the message)