4th Quarter, 2025
Lesson 5 (October 25 - October 31, 2025)
God Fights for You
Memory Verse: "And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:42, ESV).
Lesson 5, “God Fights for You” (Joshua 10:25-43), shows that when God’s people obey and stand for His cause, God Himself engages in the fight—delivering victories that are not of human strength but of divine power. The southern campaign continues, demonstrating God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness to His promises, and the way He intervenes on behalf of those who trust Him.
Divine Intervention in Battle
Joshua leads Israel in battle against a coalition of Canaanite kings. Despite steep odds, God sends hailstones to confuse the enemy and even extends the daylight so Israel can pursue and fully defeat the foes. Joshua 10:42 underscores that the victories occurred because “the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.”
Obedience and Alliance
The Gibeonites’ alliance with Israel triggers the conflict. When Israel honors its covenant with Gibeon, they also accept the responsibilities and risks of association. Joshua chooses to defend them, illustrating that following God sometimes means defending the vulnerable and acting courageously in unexpected alliances.
Trust Beyond Sight
Israel marches by faith—not because they see sure victory, but because they trust God’s promises. The miraculous sign of the sun standing still is a testimony that God’s timing and power transcend natural limits.
Justice and Judgment
The enemies are judged—captured and defeated—not only because they opposed Israel but because they opposed God’s purpose. God’s justice is woven into His deliverance; He does not merely rescue, He vindicates.
Christ Connection
God fighting for Israel prefigures Christ’s work on the cross: He battled sin, death, and evil so that believers might stand forgiven and victorious. The victories in Joshua point forward to the ultimate victory in Christ, who intercedes for us, fights for us, and gives us confidence to face spiritual battles knowing we are not alone.
Applications
1. Recognize that some battles are not ours, but God’s. In times of spiritual, moral, or relational conflict, we can lean into faith knowing God fights on our behalf.
2. Be willing to stand for others—especially those who have allied themselves with God’s people (as Israel did with Gibeon). Our faith may require advocacy, protection, or action.
3. Trust in God's supernatural power—even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against you. Miracles often come when believers step out in faith despite lack of visibility.
4. Allow God’s justice to shape your prayers and perspective. Not every suffering or conflict is immediately resolved, but we can trust God's judgment and timing to work all things for good.
✨ In essence: “God Fights for You” reassures believers that when we obey, trust and align with God’s purpose, He doesn’t stand aloof—He intervenes, defends, and ensures victory, not for our boast, but for His glory and promise.
Discussion / Reflection Questions
- What are some battles—personal, spiritual, or communal—that you feel God is calling you to trust Him to fight rather than trying to fight on your own?
- How does remembering or witnessing God’s past interventions help build faith for challenges yet unseen?
- When might aligning ourselves with others (like Israel defending Gibeon) require risk? What principles should guide when to take a stand?
- What does the miracle of extended daylight teach us about God’s sovereignty over nature and His care in the “timing” of victory?
- How can the justice of God, as seen in Joshua’s battles, inform how we pray about injustice and suffering in our world?