2. Introduction God has fought many battles on behalf of His people which are recorded for our learning in God’s word God has fought many battles on behalf of His people which are recorded for our learning in God’s word (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11). These lessons should encourage us to be faithful as we all face the spiritual forces of wickedness in daily combat today (Eph. 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8ff). God has promised that He will never allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to overcome and a way of escape to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). May all of us “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10).

3. The Lord Fought for Israel against Egypt The Egyptians enslaved Israel for 430 years The Egyptians enslaved Israel for 430 years (Ex. 12:40) after God through Joseph used Egypt to save the world from famine (Gen. 50:20). Another Pharaoh came to power asking “who is the Lord that I should obey His voice” Another Pharaoh came to power asking “who is the Lord that I should obey His voice” (Ex. 5:2). God answered with 10 plagues which showed His power so that Pharaoh would let the people go. God answered with 10 plagues which showed His power so that Pharaoh would let the people go. (9:13-17) God then led His people to the Red Sea so that Egypt would know He is the Lord God then led His people to the Red Sea so that Egypt would know He is the Lord (13:18ff).

4. The Lord Fought for Israel against Egypt After After Israel complained because they were trapped & cried to God, Moses said, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silence” (Ex. 14:10-12). God protected Israel and the Egyptians knew God was fighting for His people (14:21-25). (14:30-31). When Israel saw that God killed the Egyptians, they feared the Lord & believed in Him (14:30-31).

5. If Israel obeyed Him, God Promised that He would Defeat their Enemies “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out….you will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword” “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out….you will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword” (Lev. 26:3, 7). Sadly, 10 out of the 12 spies said that the people were too strong for them and the Israelites believed them and the fathers died in the wilderness (Num. 13:30ff; 14:22, 29). The children under 20 with Joshua and Caleb would go into Canaan (Num. 14:30-31; Deut. 28:7).

6. The Lord Fought for Israel against Jericho God did not use the normal strategy of laying siege to the city and starving the inhabitants. God did not use the normal strategy of laying siege to the city and starving the inhabitants. He had them march around the city once for 6 days, and on the 7 th they were to march 7 times, the priests would blow the trumpets, the people would shout and God promised that the wall would fall down flat (Joshua 6:2-5). They obeyed, the wall fell down flat, and they took the city just as the Lord said (Joshua 6:20). Even though the commands seemed foolish, Israel obeyed and God gave them the victory!

7. The Lord Fought for Israel against Ai The spies reported that only 3,000 were needed to take Ai because they were few, but they lost 36 people The spies reported that only 3,000 were needed to take Ai because they were few, but they lost 36 people (Josh. 7:3-5). Joshua asked the Lord why this happened (7:6-9). It wasn’t the Lord’s fault they lost, they disobeyed. Until the thief died and all his possessions burned, God would not be with them. Israel stoned Achan & his family (7:11-26). God told them to ambush the city and they killed all 12,000 people of Ai (8:1-2, 25).

8. The Lord Fought for Israel against Midian The Lord gave Israel into the Midianites’ hands because they were wicked The Lord gave Israel into the Midianites’ hands because they were wicked (Judges 6:1-5). When they cried out to God, He sent a prophet to remind them of what He had done for Israel and not to fear their gods (6:7-10). An angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon in order to defeat Midian but he made excuses why he couldn’t do it (6:12-16). After Gideon is satisfied with the sign that God gave to him, he tore down the altar of Baal which led to war (6:27-33).

9. The Lord Fought for Israel against Midian The Lord was concerned that Israel would boast in their power with 32,000 people The Lord was concerned that Israel would boast in their power with 32,000 people (Judges 7:2). There were 10,000 left after the cowards left (7:3). God said it was still too many, He gave a test of lapping water which left 300 people (7:4-8). Instead of using weapons, they blew trumpets, smashed pitchers, shouted and 120,000 people died (7:20-22; 8:10). Gideon refused their request to rule over them but later on they ask for a king to fight their battles instead of God (8:22-23; 1 Sam. 8:20).

10. The Lord Fought for Us against the Devil We all have failed to overcome the temptations of the devil, but Jesus never sinned, not even once We all have failed to overcome the temptations of the devil, but Jesus never sinned, not even once (Rom. 3:23; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). The devil had the power of death, but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we do not have to fear it any longer (He. 2:14-15; Ax. 2:22-24). By submitting to God we can resist the devil and he will flee from us (James 4:7). Through the truth and putting on God’s armor we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Eph. 6:10-13; 2 Tim. 2:24-26)

11. “Be Strong in the Lord” When fleshly lusts wage war against your soul- God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to overcome it When fleshly lusts wage war against your soul- God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to overcome it (1 Pt. 2:11; 2 Pt. 2:9). With the sword of the Spirit you can cast down every speculation and everything raised up against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5). With the gospel of peace you can help save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins (Eph. 2:13-18; James 5:19-20; Rom. 1:16-17). God’s grace is sufficient for you in your weakness- don’t grow weary (2 Cor. 12:7ff; Gal. 6:7-10).

12. Conclusion The Lord has fought for you so that you might be redeemed from being in bondage to the devil. God has never lost in battle. The only times His people lost was when they disobeyed Him. Instead of complaining like the Israelites or making excuses, submit to God’s plan for your life and fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Even though God’s wisdom appears foolish to man, don’t let it be a stumbling block to you being baptized and living a holy life. (1 Cor. 1:21-25; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 2:11-14)