Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 5.God Fights for You | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 5: God Fights for You
A Lesson on Justice, Judgment, and Hope
Lesson 5 poses a challenging but important question: Why did God command wars in the Old Testament, especially against the Canaanites? To understand this issue, we must consider God’s character as a holy, patient, and righteous Judge. The Bible shows that God’s interventions were never arbitrary or cruel, but part of His greater plan to fight evil and preserve His people. Yet the path to repentance remained open—even for Israel’s enemies. This lesson helps us interpret God’s actions in light of His justice and love. At the same time, it points beyond war to God’s ultimate goal: peace through the coming Messiah.
Content:
5.1 The Canaanites’ Iniquity
God’s Justice and Patience in Dealing with the Canaanites
The referenced Bible texts show that God’s decision to give Israel the land of Canaan was not arbitrary but part of a long-term and just plan. For generations, the Canaanites lived in deep moral and spiritual corruption, including practices such as child sacrifice and occult rituals. Yet God granted them a long period of grace—over 400 years (see Genesis 15:16)—to repent. Archaeological findings and historical accounts confirm the depth of their depravity. Only when their guilt was complete and they showed no repentance did God intervene. The conquest of Canaan by Israel was thus a judgment on an unrepentant culture, not an unjust act of displacement.
5.2 The Supreme Judge
God – The Righteous Judge of All Nations
These verses reveal that God is a righteous and impartial Judge who always acts in line with His holy and perfect character. He does not judge arbitrarily, but with patience, truth, and justice. As Judge, God cannot ignore sin indefinitely—neither among the Canaanites nor in Israel. His judicial role helps us understand divine warfare not as cruelty but as a final consequence in the fight against evil. God’s goal is never violence for its own sake, but the restoration of order, justice, and peace. This perspective reveals a God who fights injustice—out of love for His creation and in faithfulness to His character.
5.3 Dispossession or Annihilation?
Expulsion, Not Annihilation – God’s Goal in Holy War
The compared Bible texts show that God’s original goal was not the complete destruction of the Canaanites but their expulsion and the removal of their religious practices. The focus was on destroying pagan altars and cultic sites to preserve Israel’s purity in faith. Only where the inhabitants knowingly resisted God’s will and barricaded themselves in cities did total destruction occur. Even during the conquest, God offered ways of salvation—as in the example of Rahab. Destruction was not the goal itself, but the consequence of rebellion against God’s justice. Likewise, in our personal lives, God calls for the removal of harmful influences that separate us from Him.
5.4 Free Choice
Free Will in Divine Judgment – Between Life and the Ban
The war laws in Deuteronomy clearly show that God’s judgment on nations was not arbitrary but based on their conscious rebellion against Him. Even during holy war, the possibility of repentance remained—as seen with Rahab or the Gibeonites. The cherem (ban) applied only to those who actively and stubbornly opposed God’s will. At the same time, Israel itself could fall under this ban if it abandoned God’s commandments (Deut 13). This shows: Free will has always been central in our relationship with God—no one is saved or condemned automatically. Our decisions for or against God’s ways have eternal consequences, for in the spiritual battle there is no neutrality.
5.5 The Prince of Peace
The Prince of Peace – God’s Goal Is Eternal Peace
The prophets of the Old Testament draw a clear picture: God’s ultimate plan for His people is not endless war, but an eternal kingdom of peace under the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. In Isaiah and Micah, we see visions of a world without violence, where justice, healing, and harmony prevail. The story in 2 Kings 6 illustrates that even in the face of the enemy, God’s way of mercy and peace is possible. Elisha did not act out of revenge but revealed God’s true nature—peace instead of retaliation. This shows: War was never God’s end goal, but a temporary measure in the fight against evil. Our mission today is to be peacemakers—a reflection of what God has intended for humanity from the beginning.
5.6 Summary
God Fights – But for Justice and Peace
Lesson 5 sheds light on God’s role as a warrior in the Old Testament in the context of divine justice—not human cruelty. The conquest of Canaan was an expression of judgment against a deeply corrupt culture, not nationalism or power-seeking. God’s goal was not destruction, but the removal of godless practices—with room for repentance for all who turned to Him. As a just Judge, God acts impartially and expects faithfulness even from Israel; otherwise, it too would fall under judgment. Despite the context of war, the Bible points toward a future of peace under the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. God’s ultimate plan is not war, but the restoration of justice, reconciliation, and eternal peace.
Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 4.The Conflict Behind All Conflicts | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 4.The Conflict Behind All Conflicts
A Hidden Battle – God’s War Against Evil
Behind Israel’s visible wars lies a far greater, unseen conflict—the struggle between God and the forces of evil. This so-called “great controversy” did not begin on earth but in heaven, when Lucifer rebelled against God’s order. The conquest of Canaan or the exodus from Egypt are not merely historical events but expressions of this overarching cosmic drama. God intervenes in history as a righteous warrior—not out of ambition for power, but to restore redemption and justice. In doing so, He invites His people to trust in Him rather than rely on their own strength. Whoever recognizes this larger context will also see their own life in a new light.
Content:
4.1 Commander of the Army of the Lord
The Heavenly Leader in an Earthly Battle – God’s Presence in the Midst of Conflict
Joshua’s encounter with the “Commander of the Lord’s army” reveals that the battle for Canaan was part of a much larger, cosmic conflict. The mysterious visitor identifies Himself not as a human ally but as a divine commander—likely Christ Himself before His incarnation. The key question is not whether God is on Joshua’s side, but whether Joshua is willing to submit to God’s leadership. This moment marks a turning point: Joshua realizes that victory will not come through military power, but through God’s presence and direction. The Commander of the Lord’s army leads an invisible host fighting on behalf of His people—a comforting truth that we, too, are never alone in our spiritual battles. God’s leadership still applies today—and calls us to take our stand on His side.
4.2 War in Heaven
An Ancient Battle: From Heaven to Earth – The Origin of All Rebellion
The “war in heaven” forms the invisible origin of all visible conflicts on earth. Lucifer, once a perfect angel, rebelled against God out of pride and self-will—and drew others into his fall. The texts in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation reveal that behind earthly powers lies a deeper spiritual reality. This great conflict between good and evil continues to this day—visible in the tensions, temptations, and struggles of our daily lives. Daniel 10 shows that heavenly beings are directly involved in earthly events. The comfort lies in this: God is not passive but actively works to restore His justice—then and now.
4.3 The Lord Is a Warrior
God the Warrior – A Righteous Battle for Redemption and Truth
That God is called a “warrior” reveals His active engagement in the struggle against oppression, sin, and evil. In Egypt, He did not only confront Pharaoh but also the demonically inspired gods of the land, to set His people free. This conflict was not a political one but an expression of a much deeper, cosmic war. God does not fight out of lust for power but to establish justice and redemption—then as now. The destruction of the Canaanites was an early phase of divine judgment upon evil. To recognize God as a warrior is to ask whether we stand on His side—for in this conflict, there is no neutrality.
4.4 The Lord Will Fight for You
God Fights – Trust Instead of Weapons
God’s original plan was for Israel to gain victory through trust, not through warfare. During the exodus from Egypt, they were told to stand still and watch God’s deliverance—He Himself would fight for them. This pattern revealed God’s desire to grant His people salvation, not through human might but through divine power. Israel’s engagement in war was ultimately a result of their unbelief and murmuring. Had they fully trusted God, no battles would have been necessary. Even today, our complaining can hinder God’s work—He calls us instead to quiet trust and obedience.
4.5 The Second-Best Option
God’s Patience in the Face of Human Unbelief
The war accounts in Exodus 17 and Joshua 6 reveal both God’s power and Israel’s increasing involvement in battles. In both cases, the victory ultimately belongs to God—whether through Moses’ uplifted hands or through the collapse of Jericho’s walls. Yet Israel’s growing participation was the result of having fallen short of God’s ideal. Their unbelief and continual complaining led God to adapt to their spiritual maturity. He gave them the “second-best option”—war as a means of training in trust. Yet even then, His goal remained the same: to lead His people back to complete dependence and faithfulness.
4.6 Summary
Conflicts with Perspective – The Great Controversy Behind All Battles
Lesson 4 shows that Israel’s earthly battles were expressions of a much larger cosmic conflict between good and evil. The “Commander of the Lord’s army” reveals Himself to Joshua as a divine leader—not bound to human sides, but leading the heavenly war against sin. God’s original plan was for Israel to conquer through trust in Him—without fighting. But Israel’s unbelief made warfare the “second-best option.” Even in these conflicts, God’s goal remained the same: to teach His people complete trust in Him. Every victory—whether by miracle or by battle—was ultimately God’s work, not human strength.
Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 3.Memorials of Grace | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 3.Memorials of Grace
Recognizing – Remembering – and Passing On God’s Guidance
God does great things—but we humans tend to forget them quickly. Lesson 3 invites us to reflect on “monuments of grace” that make God’s work visible and memorable. The story of crossing the Jordan shows how God leads in wondrous ways—but also how important it is to prepare spiritually and to trust Him. Memorials such as the twelve stones were not meant to be merely historical reminders but inspirations for our faith today. Those who remember God’s deeds will find courage and confidence in new challenges. Every generation is called to keep faith alive—not as tradition, but as a personal experience with the living God.
Content:
3.1 Crossing the Jordan
God Goes Before You – Prepare Yourselves
The crossing of the Jordan was not a military maneuver but a spiritual event. God commanded the people of Israel to consecrate themselves, because the crossing was not to happen by human strength but under His direction. The Ark of the Covenant—symbolizing God’s presence—went ahead to show that only with God leading could the promised land be taken. As at Mount Sinai, spiritual preparation was necessary, for God desired not just outward obedience but purified hearts. The dry passage through the river was a proof of His power and faithfulness. Even today, spiritual breakthroughs often come only when we intentionally prepare ourselves, allow God to cleanse us, and learn to trust His timing.
3.2 The Living God of Wonders
The Living God Acts in Visible Ways
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan reveals God’s power, presence, and faithfulness. He is not a distant observer but a living God who intervenes on behalf of His people. Through this miracle, He shows that nothing is too difficult for Him—neither then nor now. His actions are not only helpful but holy and awe-inspiring, so that His name may be honored. This miracle strengthened Israel’s faith for the challenges ahead. We, too, may expect God to act in our lives—in His own way and at the right time.
3.3 Remember
Remember in Order to Believe
God commanded Israel to build a memorial of stones so that His mighty deeds would not be forgotten. These stones were to serve as a visible sign, reminding future generations of the miracle at the Jordan. Remembering meant more than looking back—it was meant to inspire trust and obedience. Everyone should be able to answer personally the question, “What do these stones mean to you?” Living faith does not come through tradition alone, but through personal experience of God’s work. Such spiritual “monuments” help us today not to forget God’s faithfulness.
3.4 Forgetfulness
Preserving God’s Deeds – Avoiding Spiritual Amnesia
God knows how easily humans forget—therefore He repeatedly calls His people to remember. The crossing of the Jordan was not just a one-time miracle, but a testimony for generations to come. Forgetfulness is more than carelessness—it can lead to the loss of identity, calling, and trust. Remembering God’s deeds strengthens our faith for the present and our hope for the future. Rituals, memorials, and sharing our experiences with others keep faith alive. Those who remember why and where they are going are less likely to lose their way.
3.5 Beyond the Jordan
A Passage into the Promise
The crossing of the Jordan symbolizes a profound new beginning with God. Just as the Red Sea marked deliverance from Egypt, the Jordan marks the transition from dependence to freedom, from uncertainty to purpose. For Israel, it meant stepping into the promised land—a sign of God’s faithfulness and guidance. Jesus, too, began His ministry with a crossing of the Jordan: His baptism was a visible sign of His divine mission. The Jordan reminds us that true spiritual life begins when we fully entrust ourselves to God. Every faith journey requires this step from the old into the new—by God’s power, not our own.
3.6 Summary
Monuments of Grace – Memory Builds Trust
Lesson 3 emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s mighty acts. The crossing of the Jordan became a spiritual turning point for Israel—marked by preparation, consecration, and the miracle of divine guidance. The Ark of the Covenant went before them as a sign that God Himself leads His people. The memorial stones were to remind later generations of God’s faithfulness and inspire them to believe. The danger of spiritual forgetfulness is highlighted—without conscious remembrance, faith loses its strength. The Jordan stands as a symbol of the passage into the promised life God has prepared for all who trust Him.
Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 2.Surprised by Grace | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
