Week 4: BE SENT – “Living on Mission” Get Lit Week 10 - Text Range: Joshua 9 – Judges 5
"When the Sun Stands Still: The God Who Fights for You" Text: Joshua 10:6–15
ETHOS - the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution
FOUNDATION: Christ-Centered Vision and Core Values
All leadership begins with our unshakable anchor: “Come to Me... Learn from Me... I will give you rest.” – Jesus, Matthew 11:28–30
At Eastview, we exist to glorify God by making life-long apprentices of Jesus. Our identity and culture are shaped by: Our Core Beliefs
• Jesus is the only Savior and Lord.
• Salvation is by grace through faith.
• The Spirit empowers us for witness, holiness, and fruitfulness.
• The Bible is our authority and compass.
• The Church is a community on mission.
• Discipleship is our lifestyle.
• Life, marriage, and mission are sacred and designed by God.
In Joshua 9–24, Israel continues the conquest of Canaan. The Gibeonites deceive Israel into a treaty (ch. 9), yet God gives victory over united kings in the south and north (chs. 10–11). The land is divided among the tribes, and cities of refuge and Levitical towns are established. Joshua’s final words call Israel to wholehearted devotion and warn against turning to idols. He declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). Joshua dies, but not before urging faithfulness to the covenant.
Judges 1–5 opens with incomplete conquest—Israel fails to drive out all the inhabitants. This leads to a tragic cycle: sin, oppression, cries for help, and God raising up judges to deliver them. Despite their unfaithfulness, God shows mercy. Early judges like Othniel and Ehud lead to temporary peace, and Deborah, a prophetess and judge, leads a miraculous victory over Canaanite oppression (Judges 4–5).
Key Theme:
God remains faithful even when His people are not. The conquest shows God's power and promise-keeping, while Judges reveals our need for a righteous, eternal Deliverer. The pattern of rebellion and rescue points ahead to Jesus—the true and final Judge and King who brings lasting peace and leads us into true rest.
Big Idea:
The same God who made the sun stand still is the God who, through Christ, defeated sin and death. Just as He fought for Israel, He now fights for us—not with cosmic signs, but through the ultimate victory of the cross.
Introduction:
“What kind of God stops the sun to save a people?”
Let’s be honest—for modern ears, Joshua 10 sounds like ancient myth. Sun standing still? Hailstones? An army routed by supernatural timing?
But we need to ask: What is this passage really about?
It’s not about celestial anomalies—it’s about a covenant-keeping God who goes to impossible lengths to rescue His people.
The point isn’t astronomical—it’s theological. And more than that—it’s Christological.
Contextual Setup:
Teaching Movements:
1. God Keeps His Covenant—Even When We Don’t (v. 6–8)
2. God Fights for His People—But Invites Us to Join the Battle (v. 9–11)
3. God Hears Bold Prayers—and Answers for His Glory (v. 12–14)
4. God Wins the Battle—So His People Can Rest in Victory (v. 15)
