Today I taught Joshua 6-8. Those are such exciting chapters. They are like a great war movie. The main events are:
Joshua 6 -- Conquest of Jericho because Israel obeyed God's Word and trusted Him for the victory
Joshua 7 -- Israel's Defeat at Ai because Achan did not obey God's Word and there was sin in the camp
Joshua 8 -- Conquest of Ai because Israel dealt with sin in the camp, thus purfiying themselves, obeyed God's battle plan and had complete success.
There you have it. Israel's success in battle depended on their trust in God and complete obedience to His Word.

Achan's sin in chapter 7 is interesting. He saw something he wanted, he coveted it, he took it, and he hid it. Same formula both Eve and David fell into. Same formula for the sin in our lives. The place to stop the sin is at that first step -- see/think. For me the problem is that often I don't really want the process to stop. Sin is actually kind of fun -- until I get caught or have to bear the consequences. My only hope for conquering sin lies in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, my submission to Him, and obedience to God's Word. Only God can give me the power to stop at temptation and not go on to sin. His strength and His Word are my only hope for success in my Christian life.
Joshua 1:7-9 says (my paraphrase) to be strong and courageous being careful to obey every command of the Law, every word of God, meditating on it day and night. Be strong and courageous, don't tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way
When we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey.
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey.

There it is -- the secret to the Christian's success. I used to like the song because it was easy to play on the piano and had a fun alto part. Now I like it for the absolute truth of the words. Maybe I'm growing up a bit.