Breach of the Covenant: When One Sin Affects Many

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 6 -  Sunday 

Breach of the Covenant

Scripture Focus: Joshua 7

In Joshua 7, Israel experienced a shocking and humbling defeat at Ai. Fresh off victory at Jericho, the people expected another triumph—but instead, they fled before their enemies. Why? Scripture highlights two major causes:

1. Achan’s Sinful Disobedience — Achan violated God’s clear command by taking forbidden items from Jericho (Joshua 7:1). His private sin brought public consequences. God declared, “Israel has sinned… they have taken some of the devoted things” (Joshua 7:11). One man’s hidden actions affected the entire nation.

2. Israel’s Pride and Self-Reliance — After Jericho’s miraculous victory, Israel assumed success was guaranteed. The spies recommended only a small force, relying on human assessment rather than seeking God (Joshua 7:3). Their confidence shifted from God’s power to their own strength.

Together, personal sin and corporate pride opened the door to defeat.

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When One Person’s Sin Hurts Many

Joshua 7 reminds us that communities rise and fall together. Achan’s choice led to Israel’s shame, death of soldiers, and deep grief (Joshua 7:5–13). Scripture consistently teaches that sin is never private—it ripples outward.

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” — Galatians 5:9
“For none of us lives to ourselves alone.” — Romans 14:7

Real-world examples:

• Corrupt leadership in business or government bankrupts organizations, ruins jobs, and damages trust.

• Scandals in churches shake faith and harm witness in the community.

• Family hurts, where one person’s addiction, dishonesty, or bitterness wounds spouses, children, and future generations.

• Academic or athletic cheating that brings shame on entire schools or teams.

When one member falls, many feel the impact. Communities bear the burden of broken trust, financial loss, damaged reputations, and emotional pain.

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Our Call Today

Believers are part of the body of Christ; what we do affects others (1 Corinthians 12:26). Faithfulness strengthens the family of God. Hidden sin weakens it. Instead of self-confidence, we walk in humility and dependence on Him (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Joshua 7 ends not in despair but in restoration. Once sin was confessed and dealt with, God reassured Joshua: “Do not fear… for I have given into your hand the king of Ai” (Joshua 8:1). With repentance came renewed blessing.

Let us examine our hearts, honor our covenants with God, and live with awareness that our lives influence others.

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Prayer

Father in heaven,
Thank You for reminding us that our lives matter to You and to those around us. Guard us from pride and self-reliance. Search our hearts and reveal hidden sin so that nothing stands between us and Your blessing. Help us walk in humility, obedience, and unity with Your people. Strengthen our communities—our families, churches, and workplaces—and use us to bring light, not harm.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

More: The Enemy Within - Sabbath School Lesson 6 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua

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