Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Remember, Consecrate, and Conquer: The Lord Fights for His People

Section 1: Joshua 4:1–24 – Stones of Remembrance

Overview:
After Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, the Lord commands Joshua to appoint twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the riverbed where the priests stood. These stones are set up as a memorial so future generations will ask, “What do these stones mean?” The miracle mirrors the Red Sea crossing and testifies that the hand of the Lord is mighty. The memorial serves both as remembrance for Israel and as a witness to the nations that the Lord is powerful and faithful to fulfill His promises.

Theological Themes:

• The importance of remembering God’s works.
• God’s faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises.
• Testimony to future generations and to the nations.

Key Verse:
Joshua 4:24 – “So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God command the Israelites to build a memorial?
   Answer: To ensure future generations would remember His mighty acts and continue to trust and fear Him.
2. How does remembering God’s faithfulness strengthen faith?
   Answer: It reminds us that the same God who acted powerfully in the past remains faithful today.
3. What are practical ways believers today can remember God’s works?
   Answer: Through testimony, teaching Scripture, worship, and marking spiritual milestones in life.

Section 2: Joshua 5:1–12 – Covenant Renewal at Gilgal

Overview:
As news of Israel’s crossing spreads, the hearts of the Canaanite kings melt in fear. Before advancing further, God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation born in the wilderness. This act renews the covenant and rolls away the reproach of Egypt. Israel also celebrates the Passover in the land, and the manna ceases as they begin to eat the produce of Canaan. The chapter emphasizes preparation, obedience, and covenant identity before conquest.

Theological Themes:

• Covenant faithfulness and obedience.
• Spiritual preparation before spiritual victory.
• God’s provision in every season.

Key Verse:
Joshua 5:9 – “And the LORD said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Israel need to renew circumcision?
   Answer: The wilderness generation had neglected the covenant sign; renewal restored their covenant identity.
2. What is significant about the manna stopping?
   Answer: It marked a transition; God’s provision continued, but in a new way within the Promised Land.
3. What does this teach about preparation before God’s work?
   Answer: Spiritual obedience and consecration must precede victory and blessing.

Section 3: Joshua 5:13–15 – The Commander of the Lord’s Army

Overview:
Near Jericho, Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword who identifies himself as the commander of the army of the Lord. Joshua falls in worship and is told to remove his sandals, for the place is holy. This divine encounter reminds Joshua that the coming battle belongs to the Lord. The focus is not whether God is on Israel’s side, but whether Israel is aligned with God’s purposes.

Theological Themes:

• God as the true leader of His people.
• Holiness in the presence of the Lord.
• Victory depends on God’s authority, not human strength.

Key Verse:
Joshua 5:14 – “And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is Joshua told to remove his sandals?
   Answer: It signifies reverence and recognition of God’s holy presence.
2. What does this encounter teach about leadership?
   Answer: Even leaders must submit fully to God’s authority.
3. How does this event prepare Israel for Jericho?
   Answer: It reassures them that the Lord Himself fights their battles.

Section 4: Joshua 6:1–21 – The Fall of Jericho

Overview:
Jericho is tightly shut up because of Israel, but the Lord gives Joshua unusual instructions: march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, with priests blowing trumpets. At the final trumpet blast, the people shout, and the walls collapse. The city is devoted to destruction as an offering to the Lord. The victory comes not through military strategy but through obedient faith in God’s word.

Theological Themes:

• Obedience to God’s commands, even when they seem unconventional.
• Faith expressed through action.
• The Lord as the giver of victory.

Key Verse:
Joshua 6:20 – “So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God give such unusual battle instructions?
   Answer: To demonstrate that victory comes from Him, not human strength or strategy.
2. What role did obedience play in Jericho’s fall?
   Answer: The miracle occurred after precise obedience to God’s word, showing faith in action.
3. How does Jericho encourage believers today?
   Answer: It reminds us that strongholds fall when we trust and obey God’s direction.

Section 5: Joshua 6:22–27 – Rahab Spared and the Curse on Jericho

Overview:
As promised, Rahab and her family are spared because of her faith and protection of the spies. She becomes part of Israel and later part of the Messianic lineage. Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho, underscoring the seriousness of God’s judgment. The chapter concludes by stating that the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.

Theological Themes:

• Salvation through faith and covenant mercy.
• God’s faithfulness to His promises.
• The seriousness of divine judgment.

Key Verse:
Joshua 6:25 – “But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Rahab’s deliverance teach about faith?
   Answer: Genuine faith leads to salvation, regardless of background or past sin.
2. Why was Jericho placed under a curse?
   Answer: It symbolized complete devotion to God and warned against disobedience.
3. How does Rahab’s story fit into God’s larger redemptive plan?
   Answer: She becomes part of Israel and the lineage leading to Christ, showing God’s grace extends to all who believe.