The Day the Lord Fought for Israel
Lesson Objectives
- Identify the costly promise Israel had to keep to Gibeon.
- Explain why Joshua’s confidence rested on God’s word rather than his own courage.
- Distinguish God’s unrepeatable act for Israel’s conquest from a promise for personal ambition.
- Apply the sermon’s call to keep the promises you have made, even at cost.
Thesis
Because the LORD faithfully accomplished what He promised, His people could face a costly duty with courage and depend on power beyond their own.
Study Guide
1. Joshua Answered a Costly Call — Joshua 10:1–7
Gibeon’s peace with Israel drew an attack from five kings, and Joshua marched to keep a promise that was now expensive to keep.
Question: What made Israel’s promise to Gibeon costly to keep?
2. Joshua Acted on God’s Promise — Joshua 10:8–9
God’s word gave Joshua courage before the march, not after the battle was already won.
Question: Why could Joshua face the battle without manufacturing bravery himself?
3. The LORD Gave the Victory — Joshua 10:10–11
More of the enemy died by the LORD’s hailstones than by Israel’s swords, leaving Israel no room to boast in its own strength.
Question: What kept Israel’s victory from becoming an occasion for pride?
4. The LORD Heard Joshua — Joshua 10:12–15
The sun stood still because the LORD listened to a man’s voice and fought for His people.
Question: What does this unique day teach us about bringing our needs to God in prayer?
Application
- Personal: Name the promise you have been avoiding because it has grown inconvenient, and take one concrete step this week to keep it.
- Congregational: Consider whose costly service in this church deserves your help rather than your indifference.
Personal Response
Truth to hold:
Obedience to practice:
Error to reject:
Prayer: