WHO IS INNOCENT?

INTRODUCTION-- Have you ever felt responsible for the sin of some stranger? Have you ever thought that you had some responsibility (as an innocent by stander) for the degradation found in Society? Then we need to read together about the experience of Israel.

1. 40 years of purging in the wilderness had cleansed Israel of the rebels that caused the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
   
2. They were now undertaking the great task of conquering the west bank of Canaan, and seemed well prepared for the task.
   
3. Then something happened at the conquest of Jericho that caused God to say, "Israel has sinned." Joshua 7:1-26
   
   1. Joshua was told that all the riches taken from Jericho were to be "devoted" to Him---nothing was to be kept as spoil. Joshua 6:17-18
      
   2. Completely unaware of the sin of Achan, Joshua sent a small force to defeat the city of Ai. The attach failed.
      
   3. ONLY ONE MAN SINNED, BUT ALL OF ISRAEL SUFFERED FOR IT.
      
   4. Achan and his family (who probably shared in the secret of his guilt) were stoned and burned.
      
4. Why did God remain silent, allowing the Israelites to learn of their collective guilt through a defeat?
   

LESSON--

1. The Bible contains other examples of community responsibility for sin.
   
   1. Genesis 12:10-19 (A similar scene in Genesis 20:1-7.)
      
   2. Deuteronomy 21:1-9 (especially Vs. 8)
      
   3. Leviticus 10:1-6 (especially vs. 6)
      
2. Is God telling us to do something about sin in our midst? Israel got the message, and applied it at times.
   
   1. Numbers 25:1-9
      
      1. The idolatry of a few caused a plague for the many.
         
      2. Phinehas rose up and took appropriate action, to his everlasting fame.
         
   2. Joshua 22:10-34
      
      1. The purpose of the altar of the Trans-Jordan tribes was misunderstood.
         
      2. The caution of Israel was based on the lessons of Peor and Achan.
         
      3. All suspicion was resolved. Israel remained united, and at peace.
         
3. We must not condone sin, but be vigilant, cautious, and ready to correct.
   
   1. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
      
      1. The Corinthians knew of the sin, but did not rebuke it.
         
      2. The leaven of sin will permeate the whole lump.
         
   2. Ephesians 5:1-16
      

APPLICATION-- God wants me to have the same cautious, vigilant, avenging spirit against sin that is seen in these examples. Community responsibility must work hard, in order to prevent community disaster.