The Most Important Lesson You Can Learn in Life

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

9/21/2003

Guiding Question:
What does it look like when we forget that God means what He says—and how do we recover from the consequences?

Summary:

Robert Lewis walks through Joshua 7, highlighting Israel’s crushing defeat at Ai following their victorious conquest of Jericho. This defeat, as he shows, came not from military weakness but from spiritual compromise—specifically Achan’s secret sin and Joshua’s failure to consult God. Drawing powerful parallels between Israel’s journey into the Promised Land and the church’s modern spiritual battles, Robert challenges listeners to take sin seriously, understand the corporate cost of personal compromise, and reaffirm that God truly means what He says.

He calls on the next generation of church leaders to rise up with courage and commitment, not just coasting on the past victories of the church but writing a new chapter of obedience and faith. The message builds to the crucial reminder that the presence and power of God cannot dwell where hidden sin is tolerated. But he also offers hope: God’s mercy is available to those who realign, confess, and take bold steps to remove spiritual compromise.

Key Takeaways:

1. New beginnings require new leaders. Just as Joshua succeeded Moses, the church needs a fresh generation to rise up with vision and commitment, not relying on past victories but stepping into present challenges with faith and courage.

2. God means what He says. This is the most important life lesson. God’s instructions aren’t arbitrary—they’re the foundation for life and flourishing. Ignoring them leads to collapse, no matter how successful we seem.

3. Sin, even when hidden, has consequences. Achan’s secret disobedience brought defeat to the entire nation. In the church, one person’s compromise can weaken the whole body.

4. Prosperity can blind us to obedience. After victory at Jericho, both Joshua and Achan slipped—Joshua by failing to consult God, and Achan by taking what God had banned. Comfort can dull our spiritual vigilance.

5. Restoration begins with realignment, confession, and removal. Like Joshua and Israel, we must return to God, name sin for what it is, and decisively remove it—no matter the cost.

6. Churches thrive when everyone participates. Great churches aren’t built by a few committed people—they’re built by a whole congregation stepping up together in obedience and sacrifice.

7. Young leaders must not be soft on sin. The next generation must see obedience not as optional, but as the only pathway to experiencing God’s power and presence.

Key Scripture References:

• Joshua 7 – The sin of Achan, Israel’s defeat at Ai, and the process of uncovering hidden sin.

• Joshua 5–6 – Preparation for Jericho and corporate obedience.

• Joshua 2 – Rahab’s inclusion, showing that anyone who commits to God can be part of His story.

• Joshua 1 – Transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

• Verse Highlights:

  • Joshua 7:1 – Achan’s disobedience.

  • Joshua 7:12 – "I will not be with you anymore."

  • Joshua 7:19–21 – Achan’s confession.

  • Joshua 7:24–25 – Removal of Achan.

  • Joshua 7:6–11 – Joshua’s return to God and God’s response.